Public (lack of) awareness and civic (non) participation in the green transition in Bulgaria

Authors

  • Veneta Krasteva Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Keywords:

public awareness, civic participation, green transition, decision-making, justice, Bulgaria

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the state of some societal features that enable people to participate in decision-making processes, in order to increase the prospects for developing fair policies for Bulgaria‘s green transition. Through the lens of concepts of informed citizen (R. Dahl) and communicative rationality (J. Habermas), we use three dimensions of analysis: individual awareness, communicative environment, civic participation. Data obtained through qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the text. The findings show significant deficits in all three dimensions we examine. This leads to a risk of adopting political decisions that do not meet socially acceptable compromises and justice requirements. The result is political decisions in regard to the green transition that, although legal, often remain illegitimate for the majority of Bulgarians.

Author Biography

Veneta Krasteva, Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Dr. Veneta Krasteva is Associate Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IPS-BAS), department “Public Policies and Social Changes”. She works in the field of public policy analysis, employment and unemployment, transition from education to work, poverty and social exclusion, green transition. Researcher in numerous international and national projects; member of National Council for Equal Opportunities of Women and Men with the Council of Ministers. Author of two books, many articles and research reports.

Published

2025-10-15

How to Cite

Krasteva, V. . (2025). Public (lack of) awareness and civic (non) participation in the green transition in Bulgaria. Identities: Journal for Politics, Gender and Culture, 1(1), 28-47. Retrieved from http://www.identitiesjournal.edu.mk/index.php/IJPGC/article/view/626

Issue

Identities: Journal for Politics, Gender and Culture: Special Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Identities: Journal for Politics, Gender and Culture

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