Civil society organisations and community bonds in post-pandemic small-scale localities: balancing cohesion and fragmentation

Abstract This study examines Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in post-pandemic small-scale localities through focus groups with representatives from 15 organisations in Peccioli, Italy, a village of 4,700 inhabitants recognised for its innovative governance. We investigate how aggregative and conflictual community dynamics shape the associative landscape. Findings reveal that CSOs envision the ideal community as cohesive yet inclusive, emphasising both internal belonging and external openness rather than insularity. CSOs recognise their collective role as essential community architects, maintaining social fabric through bridging activities across organisational boundaries. Conversely, significant challenges emerged: pronounced centralisation of leadership around individual figures, territorial parochialism between hamlets, entrenched political divisions, and integration difficulties for newcomers. The pandemic intensified these tensions while simultaneously highlighting the vital function of CSOs. Small-scale proximity creates ambivalent dynamics, intensifying both conflict and face-to-face cooperation. Among the principal concerns raised by participants is the prevalence of self-centred actions by CSOs and the assertive role of individual leaders in organisational management.