THE SOCIAL PRACTICES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: THE CASE OF KARABAĞLAR MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This study examines the methods that local governments can use to achieve social welfare and equal service provision within the scope of social municipalism practices. Social municipalism is a local government approach that aims to raise the standard of living of disadvantaged groups, achieve social justice, and encourage active participation in urban life. Karabağlar Municipality, which forms the sample of the study, is one of the exemplary municipalities where the concept of social municipalism is implemented, with its social services and community-oriented projects. The aim of the study is to examine the content, effectiveness, and public benefit of Karabağlar Municipality's social municipalism activities on those in need of social services. The social assistance activities carried out by the municipality, women's and youth centers, services for people with disabilities, cultural and educational projects, and many other social services mentioned in the study were evaluated in this context. In the qualitative research study, document analysis was used to examine the various units of Karabağlar Municipality in the field of social services, and activity reports and content on the official website were analyzed in detail. The research concluded that, thanks to social municipalism practices, social solidarity has been strengthened in the Karabağlar district, a broad segment of the population in need of social services has been connected with these services, and the accessibility of services is high.