Citizenship and Democracy in the Peasant Community of Hualhuas, Huancayo (2006–2007)

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the expression of civic and democratic engagement within the Hualhuas Peasant Community (Huancayo), considering the forms of socialdevelopment@uncp.edu.pe 29 Revista Social Development Plantilla de artículo para envío [v.4.1] https://revistas.uncp.edu.pe/index.php/SD Licencia de atribución: CC BY-NC 4.0 democracy and the participation mechanisms available to its members. A basic research study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative qualitative) and a simple descriptive, non-experimental design. The population consisted of 268 community members, and the sample comprised 89 individuals selected through systematic probability sampling. Data collection methods included surveys, structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The findings revealed active participation by community members in the community organization, the exercise of rights and duties, and collective decision-making. Sixty-eight percent identified participatory democracy as the primary form of democracy practiced in the community, while 54% indicated that their opinions are always taken into account during community meetings. Additionally, the main participation mechanisms identified were voting, community assemblies, the rotation of authorities, and open town hall meetings. Civic engagement in the Hualhuas Peasant Community is primarily manifested through the direct and active participation of members in collective decisions, demonstrating practices of participatory democracy and institutionalized mechanisms for involvement in community affairs.