Come cambia la partecipazione nella post-democrazia?

This article examines the transformations in political participation during the “post-democracy” era, characterized by globalization, individualization, and the emergence of new forms of civic engagement. The authors explore how individualization has led to a decline in traditional social capital and political engagement, such as voting or party membership, in favor of cultural-based forms of participation, described as personalized politics (Bennett, 2012; Scarrow, 2015; Rahat & Kenig, 2018; Pedersen & Rahat, 2019; Lioy, 2023). These changes are particularly evident among younger generations, who increasingly turn to art and culture as a means of political expression. The article discusses the “culturalization of politics” (Brofman 2022), where culture, beyond its aesthetic role, becomes a tool for social transformation and the empowerment of communities. By participating in cultural activities, individuals not only express personal and ethical dimensions but also contribute to collective agency and social change. The concept of cultural welfare is introduced as a framework through which art can foster individual and community empowerment, reshaping the boundaries of traditional political participation.