The Influence of the Progressive Movement on Neighborhood Council Formation in the City of Los Angeles

Abstract

This study is to investigate the ways the Progressive Movement affected neighborhood participation. The first step in such an analysis is to discuss American political intellect and ideology. The second step is to examine the practice and core values of the Progressive Movement. The third step is to see how these values influenced the current practice of neighborhood participation, focusing specifically on the creation of the neighborhood councils in Los Angeles. To evaluate the Progressive influence fully, the multiple natures of neighborhood participation, such as perfect, pseudo and partial participation are also addressed. The authors indicated that the Progressive Movement enhanced administrative power for efficient government but failed to foster collaborative work with the citizens. Inquiry into the relationship between the Progressive Era and citizen participation deserves attention and has produced contributions, but future research must still examine the limitations this article has identified and find ways to overcome the impasses.