Wpływ nieformalnych inicjatyw obywatelskich na kształtowanie przestrzeni miejskiej. Przykład Łodzi

Abstract

The dissertation explores the impact of grassroots civic initiatives represented by informal groups on shaping urban spaces, focusing on Łódź—a city with a complex history and a development strategy based on co-creation ("Łódź Development Strategy 2030+"). While urban studies often emphasize formal third-sector organizations, this research highlights the importance of non-formalized, community-driven activities within the so-called "undiscovered sector." The study's primary aim is to examine how these grassroots initiatives influence urban space in Łódź, complemented by six specific goals addressing different dimensions of informal social activity. The dissertation is divided into two parts. The first outlines the research context, including the conceptualization of the problem, the role of grassroots activism in social research, and its legal framework. This theoretical foundation is covered in chapters one to three. The second part analyzes the case of Łódź, focusing on local conditions affecting civic engagement and the cooperation between informal groups and city authorities. Field research findings on the spatial distribution of civic initiatives and their perception by the community are discussed in chapters four and five. The dissertation concludes that grassroots, non-formalized engagement plays an increasingly significant role in urban shaping processes. The findings underscore the evolving roles of stakeholders and the need for further research to deepen the understanding of informal civic initiatives in contemporary urban studies.