TYPOLOGY OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND ITS FUNCTIONAL ROLE IN THE CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

This research provides a systematic analysis of political participation typologies and evaluates their structural significance in maintaining the stability of democratic political systems. By integrating neo-institutionalist frameworks and rational choice models, the study categorizes participation into conventional and non-conventional, autonomous and mobilized, and cognitively-driven paradigms. The article argues that the qualitative essence of participation – specifically the transition from mere mobilization to autonomous political agency – serves as the primary determinant of systemic legitimacy. Furthermore, it explores the impact of political alienation on institutional decay and posits that democratic resilience depends on the inclusivity of participation channels. The findings suggest that modern democracies must adapt to the “deliberative turn” and digital citizenship to mitigate the risks of civic apathy.