Local Decision Making : Articles from Poland, Czech Republic and Finland

Abstract

This book consists of five articles on local decision making in Poland, Czech Republic and Finland. The articles are based on research papers presented in the International Programme Course (IP-course) called “Local Decision Making” arranged in the Netherlands, at the INHOLLAND University of Applied Sciences in Rotterdam in April 2012. The IP-course was financed by the European Social Found, Life Long Learning Programme. The authors of this book are from North Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Finland; Masaryk University, Czech Republic and University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz, Poland.The articles in this book discuss the development of civil societies, local decision making, cleavages in politics, the rise of extremism, welfare, and social and health care services in municipalities. The articles state the importance of understanding the concept of welfare in the context of municipalities and the global world. Producing welfare for the residents of municipalities is the main issue discussed in this book.