CITIZEN-CENTRIC GOVERNANCE IN KAZAKHSTAN: SELF-EXPRESSION VALUES OF CITIZENS

Abstract

Kazakhstan adopts citizen-centric public administration reforms that expand state-society dialogue. Citizen-centric public administration relies on citizens with self-expression values, who can engage with state bodies and participate in decision-making. Citizens can participate in participatory mechanisms such as public councils, local community meetings, participatory budgeting, and other digital platforms. In this study, we conceptualize self-expression values through post-materialist values. The study aims to examine the determinants of post-materialist values among Kazakhstani citizens. The regression analysis has been used to examine the relationship between different factors and the index of post-materialism. The findings show that two factors, such as economic security and socialization, are statistically significant determinants of post-materialist values. Interestingly, contrary to the statements of modernization theory, urban residence is inversely associated with post-materialist values in Kazakhstan. This is explained by the fact that urban residency is related to high living costs, pressure, social and income inequality, which in turn might strengthen materialist values rather than post-materialist values. Findings of this research contribute to the literature on citizen-centric public administration and political culture in Central Asia.