Public life in these regions is organized hier archically, rather than horizontally. The very concept of citizen here is stunted. Few people aspire to partake in deliberations about the commonweal, and few such opportunities present themselves. Political participation is triggered by personal dependency or private greed, not by collective purpose. Engagement in social and cultural associations is meager.
Private piety stands in for public purpose.
Corruption is widely regarded as the norm, even by politicians themselves, and they are cynical about democratic principles. Compromise has only negative overtones. Trapped in these inter locking vicious circles, nearly everyone feels powerless, exploited, and unhappy. All things considered, it is hardly surprising that representative government here is less effective than in more civic communities. 115 In Italy, it is the northern regions that are almost without exception, more successful economically and politically.