View the indicators and measures for Domain 6: Participation, influence and voice: Inequality in the capability to participate in decision-making, have a voice and influence.
Description
The capability to participate in decision-making, have a voice and influence, affects political, social and family spheres of life. Different forms of participation covered in this domain, include, participation in democratic processes (for example, national and local elections), the ability to join workplace associations and community action groups, as well as involvement in decision-making within the family. In terms of inequality, it is recognised that it is possible for some individuals to have 'too much' influence as well as 'too little'. The domain includes measures designed to capture evidence of political elites, political revolving doors and corruption.
Measurement considerations
It is fairly straightforward to measure the existence of groups and associations designed to involve people in decision making. Equally it is possible to quantify differences in membership of these groups or identify if the political systems have formal ways to channel the electorates’ views and preferences and be accountable for that. It is much harder to find measures of the influence the different members of those groups have on decision making. People’s perceptions of influence can provide a useful indicator, where available, and reluctance to join groups may well be a reflection of (perceived) lack of influence. There is some case study evidence on the influence of citizen action on legal reforms, for example on women’s rights and civil rights (Al-Sharmani, M. (ed), 2010).
Measures included in this domain are designed to measure differences in participation between individuals and groups, political capture by elites and corruption. The measures of influence extend beyond the political, public and work spheres to decision making in families.
Click on the button beside each sub-domain to see related indicators and measures. You may click on the Expand All button to view all indicators and their measures and references to any related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
| Sub-domains: | ||
| Participate in and have influence over democratic and other decision-making processes at any territorial level, and including indigenous, customary or community decision-making processes | ||
Indicator:
Political participation Measures:
Percentage of the population entitled to vote for: (a) all levels of political office; (b) only some of the most powerful political positions; (c) none Inequality in voter turnout in national or local elections Percentage of seats in (a) national parliaments and (b) local governments by sex, age, disability status, privately educated, family background and population groups (eg ethnicity) Reference: UN SDG:
16.7.1
Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions 5.5.1
Proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments and (b) local governments
Indicator:
Political activity Measures:
Percentage who have formally contacted local representatives /national government representative/political party in last 12 months Percentage who have exercised their right to petition or protest in last 12 months Percentage who attended a political rally, meeting or speech in last 12 months Percentage who have been involved in any official consultation, town-hall meeting and/or any other official governmental practice in rulemaking (national, regional and/or local level)
Indicator:
Perceived influence Measures:
Percentage who feel they can influence decisions affecting their local area Percentage of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability and population group Reference: UN SDG:
16.10.2
Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information 16.7.2
Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability and population group | ||
| Evidence of powerful elites with excess influence and control over decision-making processes in public and political life | ||
Indicator:
Political privilege and evidence of undue influence and corruption Measures:
Evidence of a political elite (a) political dynasties; (b) narrow educational background (particular schools/universities); (c) median wealth of elected politicians Evidence of political revolving doors: (a) personnel moving between influential political positions and roles in the lobbying industry; (b) personnel moving between roles as legislators and regulators and members of industries affected by the legislation and regulation Extent of corruption: Proportion of persons who had at least one contact with a public official and who paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials, during the previous 12 months Reference: UN SDG:
16.5.1
Proportion of persons who had at least one contact with a public official and who paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials, during the previous 12 months 16.5.2
Proportion of businesses that had at least one contact with a public official and that paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials during the previous 12 months | ||
| Participate in decision-making and make decisions affecting your own life independently within your household and family | ||
Indicator:
Decision-making within families Measures:
Who makes decisions within the family on key aspects such as where to live, children's education, work, finances, etc.: (a) decisions are made jointly; (b) decisions are made by head of family (specify gender) | ||
| Participate in non-governmental organisations concerned with public, political and working life | ||
Indicator:
Participation in non-governmental organisations Measures:
Percentage who are a member of a local decision-making body (town/village council, local association, local education or health bodies) Percentage of employees who are a member of a trade union or workplace organisation active in relations and conditions of work | ||
| Have freedom to form and join civil organisations, social movements and solidarity groups, including trade unions; freedom of assembly and association and enjoy active citizenship | ||
Indicator:
Taking part in civil organizations, social movements and other social collective actions Measures:
Percentage active in a campaigning group, social movement or political party (can be via social media) | ||