Abstract

Drawing on the results of a research on twenty Area Social Plans, the article analyses the competences for participation and the role that they perform as a linkage between models/theories and practices of participation. We focus in particular on the conceptual models and representations of officials and politicians in regard to the competences deemed important for promoting social participation. Besides giving voice to those who actually design and implement the Plans, often working on the front line, these representations enlighten strengths and weaknesses of social participation.