Matthew Flinders
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199271597
- eISBN:
- 9780191709234
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199271597.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, UK Politics
Although there is no doubt that the constitution has been significantly reformed since the election of New Labour in May 1997 the degree to which these reforms have altered the nature of democracy in ...
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Although there is no doubt that the constitution has been significantly reformed since the election of New Labour in May 1997 the degree to which these reforms have altered the nature of democracy in the United Kingdom remains highly contested. A major problem within this debate is that it has become polarized around a binary distinction between power‐sharing and power‐hoarding models of democracy when the contemporary situation is actually far more complex. This book draws upon theories and methods from comparative political analysis in order to argue and then demonstrate three central and inter‐related arguments. Firstly, that the distinctive element of ‘New’ Labour's approach to constitutional engineering is not that it has shifted the nature of democracy in the United Kingdom from one model to another but has instead sought to apply different models at the periphery and core: bi‐constitutionality. Secondly, that contemporary evidence of both increasing levels of public disengagement from conventional politics and falling levels of public trust in politicians, political institutions and political processes originate from the ‘expectations gap’. This ‘gap’ is created by the process of political competition artificially increases public expectations; only for these expectations to be dashed as the elected party either seeks to renege upon certain pre‐election commitments or fails to achieve them. Finally, democracy in the United Kingdom is currently drifting. The old rules do not appear to suit the new game, and yet the government continues to insist that the old rules still apply. The critical challenge for any future government, of any political complexion, will be to articulate a new form of constitutional morality with the capacity to clarify exactly what its reforms in the sphere of constitutional reform and democratic renewal are seeking to achieve.Less
Although there is no doubt that the constitution has been significantly reformed since the election of New Labour in May 1997 the degree to which these reforms have altered the nature of democracy in the United Kingdom remains highly contested. A major problem within this debate is that it has become polarized around a binary distinction between power‐sharing and power‐hoarding models of democracy when the contemporary situation is actually far more complex. This book draws upon theories and methods from comparative political analysis in order to argue and then demonstrate three central and inter‐related arguments. Firstly, that the distinctive element of ‘New’ Labour's approach to constitutional engineering is not that it has shifted the nature of democracy in the United Kingdom from one model to another but has instead sought to apply different models at the periphery and core: bi‐constitutionality. Secondly, that contemporary evidence of both increasing levels of public disengagement from conventional politics and falling levels of public trust in politicians, political institutions and political processes originate from the ‘expectations gap’. This ‘gap’ is created by the process of political competition artificially increases public expectations; only for these expectations to be dashed as the elected party either seeks to renege upon certain pre‐election commitments or fails to achieve them. Finally, democracy in the United Kingdom is currently drifting. The old rules do not appear to suit the new game, and yet the government continues to insist that the old rules still apply. The critical challenge for any future government, of any political complexion, will be to articulate a new form of constitutional morality with the capacity to clarify exactly what its reforms in the sphere of constitutional reform and democratic renewal are seeking to achieve.
Rob Imrie and Mike Raco (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861343802
- eISBN:
- 9781447304159
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861343802.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This book documents and assesses the core of New Labour's approach to the revitalisation of cities; that is, the revival of citizenship, democratic renewal, and the participation of communities to ...
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This book documents and assesses the core of New Labour's approach to the revitalisation of cities; that is, the revival of citizenship, democratic renewal, and the participation of communities to spearhead urban change. In doing so, it explores the meaning, and relevance, of ‘community’ as a focus for urban renaissance. The book interrogates the conceptual and ideological content of New Labour's conceptions of community and, through the use of case studies, evaluates how far, and with what effects, such conceptions are shaping contemporary urban policy and practice.Less
This book documents and assesses the core of New Labour's approach to the revitalisation of cities; that is, the revival of citizenship, democratic renewal, and the participation of communities to spearhead urban change. In doing so, it explores the meaning, and relevance, of ‘community’ as a focus for urban renaissance. The book interrogates the conceptual and ideological content of New Labour's conceptions of community and, through the use of case studies, evaluates how far, and with what effects, such conceptions are shaping contemporary urban policy and practice.
Matthew Flinders
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199271597
- eISBN:
- 9780191709234
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199271597.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, UK Politics
The ‘Blair paradox’ reflects not a simple shift in orientations (i.e. from majoritarian power‐hoarding to consensual power‐sharing) but a multifaceted attempt to inject a new meta‐constitutional ...
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The ‘Blair paradox’ reflects not a simple shift in orientations (i.e. from majoritarian power‐hoarding to consensual power‐sharing) but a multifaceted attempt to inject a new meta‐constitutional orientation, in terms of a set of core values, principles, and assumptions about the distribution of power and the relationship between political actors, within the existing version (i.e. bi‐constitutionalism).Less
The ‘Blair paradox’ reflects not a simple shift in orientations (i.e. from majoritarian power‐hoarding to consensual power‐sharing) but a multifaceted attempt to inject a new meta‐constitutional orientation, in terms of a set of core values, principles, and assumptions about the distribution of power and the relationship between political actors, within the existing version (i.e. bi‐constitutionalism).
Celia Davies, Margaret Wetherell, and Elizabeth Barnett
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348029
- eISBN:
- 9781447301851
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348029.003.0002
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter offers an introduction to debates about democratic renewal and direct citizen participation as they are being played out in Great Britain in the early years of the twenty-first century. ...
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This chapter offers an introduction to debates about democratic renewal and direct citizen participation as they are being played out in Great Britain in the early years of the twenty-first century. It discusses the notions of a more active citizenry, focusing on the way in which these have been developed by New Labour in its project of modernising governance and as seen by commentators and critics. The chapter also examines the legacy of separation between the National Health Service (NHS) and local government, and the history of attempts to infuse localism, service-user voices, and consumer responsiveness.Less
This chapter offers an introduction to debates about democratic renewal and direct citizen participation as they are being played out in Great Britain in the early years of the twenty-first century. It discusses the notions of a more active citizenry, focusing on the way in which these have been developed by New Labour in its project of modernising governance and as seen by commentators and critics. The chapter also examines the legacy of separation between the National Health Service (NHS) and local government, and the history of attempts to infuse localism, service-user voices, and consumer responsiveness.
Nick Pearce
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781529200980
- eISBN:
- 9781529200973
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529200980.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This chapter examines two types of realist challenge to ideas for democratic renewal. The realist political scientists stress the role of irrational, group-based behaviour amongst the electorate, and ...
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This chapter examines two types of realist challenge to ideas for democratic renewal. The realist political scientists stress the role of irrational, group-based behaviour amongst the electorate, and the capture of democratic processes by powerful and wealthy elites. They see little scope of civic participation reversing the hollowing out of representative democracy and mainstream political parties. On the other hand, realist political theorists focus on practical advice and political action, rather than ideal theory; and are concerned with rhetoric and persuasion, as much as public reason. It is argued that the second type of realist challenge can help us better understand how to advance state-citizen cooperation through practical initiatives such as citizens assemblies, participation in local government, digital democracy, the opening up of political parties; and how these can be supported by applying realist theorists’ insights to the reforming of political institutions, harnessing passion in social activism, and the development of citizenship education.Less
This chapter examines two types of realist challenge to ideas for democratic renewal. The realist political scientists stress the role of irrational, group-based behaviour amongst the electorate, and the capture of democratic processes by powerful and wealthy elites. They see little scope of civic participation reversing the hollowing out of representative democracy and mainstream political parties. On the other hand, realist political theorists focus on practical advice and political action, rather than ideal theory; and are concerned with rhetoric and persuasion, as much as public reason. It is argued that the second type of realist challenge can help us better understand how to advance state-citizen cooperation through practical initiatives such as citizens assemblies, participation in local government, digital democracy, the opening up of political parties; and how these can be supported by applying realist theorists’ insights to the reforming of political institutions, harnessing passion in social activism, and the development of citizenship education.
Brian Meeks
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781628461213
- eISBN:
- 9781626740679
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781628461213.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, Political History
This chapter initially cites five incidents reported by the Jamaica Gleaner that manifest the state of lawlessness and anarchy that characterized Jamaica at the turn of the century. It argues that ...
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This chapter initially cites five incidents reported by the Jamaica Gleaner that manifest the state of lawlessness and anarchy that characterized Jamaica at the turn of the century. It argues that Jamaica was in a state of hegemonic dissolution, with three possible options subject to debate. The first option was to adopt an authoritarian government; second, a democratic renewal across the scope of the Jamaican social and political territory; and finally, a Marxist option described as a widespread decline of civil society and the state. The chapter mentions Kari Levitt and how he similarly addressed the aspects of a program for the Caribbean and all developing countries beyond the failed neo-liberal paradigm.Less
This chapter initially cites five incidents reported by the Jamaica Gleaner that manifest the state of lawlessness and anarchy that characterized Jamaica at the turn of the century. It argues that Jamaica was in a state of hegemonic dissolution, with three possible options subject to debate. The first option was to adopt an authoritarian government; second, a democratic renewal across the scope of the Jamaican social and political territory; and finally, a Marxist option described as a widespread decline of civil society and the state. The chapter mentions Kari Levitt and how he similarly addressed the aspects of a program for the Caribbean and all developing countries beyond the failed neo-liberal paradigm.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 1 argues that democracy in many societies is wearing thin due to widespread disconnects being experienced between citizens and their elected representatives, between publics in fractious and ...
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Chapter 1 argues that democracy in many societies is wearing thin due to widespread disconnects being experienced between citizens and their elected representatives, between publics in fractious and polarized public spheres, and between citizens and tangled policy processes. Collectively, these disconnects are problematic for realizing democracy at the large scale not only because they produce subtle forms of exclusion, but also because they restrict the movement of ideas and arguments between affected publics and those authorized to make and implement collective decisions. The chapter invites contemporary advocates of democratic reform to think harder both about the nature of these disconnects and about how to repair them. It begins with an overview of the prevailing ideas about contemporary democratic renewal and reform, and then introduces the concept of democratic mending as a promising pathway for advancing democratic reform especially in societies characterized by systemic disconnects.Less
Chapter 1 argues that democracy in many societies is wearing thin due to widespread disconnects being experienced between citizens and their elected representatives, between publics in fractious and polarized public spheres, and between citizens and tangled policy processes. Collectively, these disconnects are problematic for realizing democracy at the large scale not only because they produce subtle forms of exclusion, but also because they restrict the movement of ideas and arguments between affected publics and those authorized to make and implement collective decisions. The chapter invites contemporary advocates of democratic reform to think harder both about the nature of these disconnects and about how to repair them. It begins with an overview of the prevailing ideas about contemporary democratic renewal and reform, and then introduces the concept of democratic mending as a promising pathway for advancing democratic reform especially in societies characterized by systemic disconnects.
Wendy C. Grenade
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781628461510
- eISBN:
- 9781626740815
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781628461510.003.0011
- Subject:
- History, Imperialism and Colonialism
One of the consequences of the demise of the Grenada Revolution and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983 was the formation of a new political party architecture to break with the past to rid Grenada of ...
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One of the consequences of the demise of the Grenada Revolution and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983 was the formation of a new political party architecture to break with the past to rid Grenada of the vestiges of the revolution and the Eric Gairy regime that preceded it. The new architecture was intended to transcend authoritarianism, intra-party conflict and political violence to turn Grenada into a showcase for democracy and free enterprise. This chapter maps the contours of party politics in post-revolutionary Grenada. It argues that Grenada has transitioned to formal democracy but has not yet achieved deeper substantive democracy. The chapter teases out lessons from the Grenada case for democratic renewal in the Caribbean.Less
One of the consequences of the demise of the Grenada Revolution and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983 was the formation of a new political party architecture to break with the past to rid Grenada of the vestiges of the revolution and the Eric Gairy regime that preceded it. The new architecture was intended to transcend authoritarianism, intra-party conflict and political violence to turn Grenada into a showcase for democracy and free enterprise. This chapter maps the contours of party politics in post-revolutionary Grenada. It argues that Grenada has transitioned to formal democracy but has not yet achieved deeper substantive democracy. The chapter teases out lessons from the Grenada case for democratic renewal in the Caribbean.
Ben Kirshner
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781479861316
- eISBN:
- 9781479805563
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479861316.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book focuses on the interdependent relationship between youths' political engagement, their development, and societal ...
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This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book focuses on the interdependent relationship between youths' political engagement, their development, and societal health. Youth and societal institutions are strengthened when young people, particularly those most disadvantaged by education inequity, turn their critical gaze to education systems and participate in efforts to improve them. The book's case studies of youth organizing and student activism analyze what these experiences mean for young people and why they are good for a socially just democracy. This research is motivated by questions about the relationship between youth activism, human development, and democratic renewal: What is youth activism and how does it contribute to youth development? How might collective movements of young people expand educational opportunity in the United States and resuscitate participatory democracy?Less
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book focuses on the interdependent relationship between youths' political engagement, their development, and societal health. Youth and societal institutions are strengthened when young people, particularly those most disadvantaged by education inequity, turn their critical gaze to education systems and participate in efforts to improve them. The book's case studies of youth organizing and student activism analyze what these experiences mean for young people and why they are good for a socially just democracy. This research is motivated by questions about the relationship between youth activism, human development, and democratic renewal: What is youth activism and how does it contribute to youth development? How might collective movements of young people expand educational opportunity in the United States and resuscitate participatory democracy?
Andrew Dobson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199682447
- eISBN:
- 9780191762901
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199682447.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent ...
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This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent democratic theory is rejected in favour of the argument that listening can renew democratic theory and practice. The relationship between listening and power is discussed, with listening regarded as an active rather than a passive sense. Jeffrey Green’s idea of ‘candour’ as a regulative idea is critically discussed and the idea of ‘dialogic democracy’ is introduced. Finally, a ‘species-based’ reason for why listening as concept and practice has been so studiously ignored by political theorists is offered. Aristotle’s claim that ‘man’ is a political animal, and that what makes him political is his capacity for speech, has had an enduring influence on how we conceive the currency of political intercourse. Listening changes the nature of this currency and therefore our understanding of politics itself.Less
This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent democratic theory is rejected in favour of the argument that listening can renew democratic theory and practice. The relationship between listening and power is discussed, with listening regarded as an active rather than a passive sense. Jeffrey Green’s idea of ‘candour’ as a regulative idea is critically discussed and the idea of ‘dialogic democracy’ is introduced. Finally, a ‘species-based’ reason for why listening as concept and practice has been so studiously ignored by political theorists is offered. Aristotle’s claim that ‘man’ is a political animal, and that what makes him political is his capacity for speech, has had an enduring influence on how we conceive the currency of political intercourse. Listening changes the nature of this currency and therefore our understanding of politics itself.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This book advances the idea of democratic mending in response to the growing problem of disconnections in contemporary democracies. Around the globe vital connections in our democratic systems are ...
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This book advances the idea of democratic mending in response to the growing problem of disconnections in contemporary democracies. Around the globe vital connections in our democratic systems are wearing thin, especially between citizens and their elected representatives, between citizens in polarized public spheres, and between citizens and their complex governance systems. The wide scale of disrepair in our democratic fabric cannot realistically be patched over through institutional redesign or one-off innovation. Instead this book calls for a more connective and systemic approach to repairing democracies. For reform inspiration the authors engage in a critical dialogue between systems thinking in deliberative democracy and contemporary practices of political participation. They present three rich empirical cases of how everyday actors — citizens, community groups, administrators, and elected officials—are seeking to create and strengthen democratic connections in unpromising or challenging circumstances. The cases uncover the practical and varied work of democratic mending; these are small-scale, incremental interventions aimed at repairing disconnects in different parts of democratic systems. The empirical insights revealed in this book push forward ideas on connectivity in democratic theory and practice. They demonstrate that even in moments of dysfunctional disconnection, considerable learning, adaptation, and improvisation for democratic renewal can emerge. Ultimately, this book pioneers an approach to analysing democratic politics which might spark a ‘connective turn’ in the way scholars and practitioners think about and seek to improve democracy at the large scale.Less
This book advances the idea of democratic mending in response to the growing problem of disconnections in contemporary democracies. Around the globe vital connections in our democratic systems are wearing thin, especially between citizens and their elected representatives, between citizens in polarized public spheres, and between citizens and their complex governance systems. The wide scale of disrepair in our democratic fabric cannot realistically be patched over through institutional redesign or one-off innovation. Instead this book calls for a more connective and systemic approach to repairing democracies. For reform inspiration the authors engage in a critical dialogue between systems thinking in deliberative democracy and contemporary practices of political participation. They present three rich empirical cases of how everyday actors — citizens, community groups, administrators, and elected officials—are seeking to create and strengthen democratic connections in unpromising or challenging circumstances. The cases uncover the practical and varied work of democratic mending; these are small-scale, incremental interventions aimed at repairing disconnects in different parts of democratic systems. The empirical insights revealed in this book push forward ideas on connectivity in democratic theory and practice. They demonstrate that even in moments of dysfunctional disconnection, considerable learning, adaptation, and improvisation for democratic renewal can emerge. Ultimately, this book pioneers an approach to analysing democratic politics which might spark a ‘connective turn’ in the way scholars and practitioners think about and seek to improve democracy at the large scale.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 3 focuses on the problematic representative disconnect experienced in contemporary democracy, where linkages between elected representatives and their constituents are weak. The chapter ...
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Chapter 3 focuses on the problematic representative disconnect experienced in contemporary democracy, where linkages between elected representatives and their constituents are weak. The chapter presents an empirical case of how a group of residents, Voices4Indi, have sucessfully strengthened their representative–constituent relationship in the Australian federal electorate of Indi. Drawing on interviews with key members of Voices4Indi, the chapter unpacks how everyday citizens sought to repair the representative process by facilitating listening between citizens, and empowering voters to elect a representative committed to connecting and being responsive. The chapter shows in rich detail the diverse ways that both citizens and their elected representatives can creatively mend disconnections in the representative–constituent relationship. The chapter concludes by considering how the Indi experience advances our understanding of connectivity in deliberative systems.Less
Chapter 3 focuses on the problematic representative disconnect experienced in contemporary democracy, where linkages between elected representatives and their constituents are weak. The chapter presents an empirical case of how a group of residents, Voices4Indi, have sucessfully strengthened their representative–constituent relationship in the Australian federal electorate of Indi. Drawing on interviews with key members of Voices4Indi, the chapter unpacks how everyday citizens sought to repair the representative process by facilitating listening between citizens, and empowering voters to elect a representative committed to connecting and being responsive. The chapter shows in rich detail the diverse ways that both citizens and their elected representatives can creatively mend disconnections in the representative–constituent relationship. The chapter concludes by considering how the Indi experience advances our understanding of connectivity in deliberative systems.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 8 presents the key take-home messages for advancing the work of democratic reform in disconnected times. The chapter makes the case for expanding democratic repair beyond institutional ...
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Chapter 8 presents the key take-home messages for advancing the work of democratic reform in disconnected times. The chapter makes the case for expanding democratic repair beyond institutional proposals and towards a more emergent and systemic approach aimed at building connections across democratic systems. The analysis encourages democratic reformers to learn from the creative connective practices of everyday actors who seek to mend disconnects and make democracy work in context. The final section of the chapter presents key principles of democratic mending, urging advocates and practitioners of democratic reform to think more creatively about how to ‘make do’ with the materials at their disposal.Less
Chapter 8 presents the key take-home messages for advancing the work of democratic reform in disconnected times. The chapter makes the case for expanding democratic repair beyond institutional proposals and towards a more emergent and systemic approach aimed at building connections across democratic systems. The analysis encourages democratic reformers to learn from the creative connective practices of everyday actors who seek to mend disconnects and make democracy work in context. The final section of the chapter presents key principles of democratic mending, urging advocates and practitioners of democratic reform to think more creatively about how to ‘make do’ with the materials at their disposal.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 2 offers a critical review of three systemic accounts of deliberative democracy, focusing on their assumptions about democratic connectivity. It draws attention to the ‘communicative ...
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Chapter 2 offers a critical review of three systemic accounts of deliberative democracy, focusing on their assumptions about democratic connectivity. It draws attention to the ‘communicative miracles’ that lie at the heart of each deliberative system account—‘miracles’ that are out of step with contemporary disconnects experienced in the representative process, in the public sphere itself, and along the policy process. The chapter shows that these ‘communicative miracles’ are not only theoretical blind spots, but also practical obstacles hindering deliberative democracy from speaking more directly to, and serving as a richer resource for, democratic renewal. The chapter calls for a more empirically informed account of connectivity in contemporary public deliberation, one that is grounded in the work and agency of those involved in making or strengthening connectivity. It argues that an abductive research approach that employs interpretive methods is particularly well suited for developing such empirically informed accounts of connectivity. The chapter concludes by making the case for the close study of contemporary political practices, especially focused on how diverse actors are experiencing democratic disconnects, and what actions they are taking to mend them.Less
Chapter 2 offers a critical review of three systemic accounts of deliberative democracy, focusing on their assumptions about democratic connectivity. It draws attention to the ‘communicative miracles’ that lie at the heart of each deliberative system account—‘miracles’ that are out of step with contemporary disconnects experienced in the representative process, in the public sphere itself, and along the policy process. The chapter shows that these ‘communicative miracles’ are not only theoretical blind spots, but also practical obstacles hindering deliberative democracy from speaking more directly to, and serving as a richer resource for, democratic renewal. The chapter calls for a more empirically informed account of connectivity in contemporary public deliberation, one that is grounded in the work and agency of those involved in making or strengthening connectivity. It argues that an abductive research approach that employs interpretive methods is particularly well suited for developing such empirically informed accounts of connectivity. The chapter concludes by making the case for the close study of contemporary political practices, especially focused on how diverse actors are experiencing democratic disconnects, and what actions they are taking to mend them.
Carolyn M. Hendriks, Selen A. Ercan, and John Boswell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198843054
- eISBN:
- 9780191878954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843054.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 6 draws together common insights from the three preceding empirical chapters to better understand the everyday practical work of democratic mending. The chapter introduces the concept of ...
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Chapter 6 draws together common insights from the three preceding empirical chapters to better understand the everyday practical work of democratic mending. The chapter introduces the concept of ‘connective practices’ to capture the individual and collective efforts of actors to mend their democratic systems, and discusses the different features of connective practices that make them especially effective for mending democratic disconnects. Drawing insights from the empirical cases presented throughout the book, the chapter identifies the relational, creative, adaptive, co-constituted, and iterative characteristics of connective practices, and considers their democratic implications.Less
Chapter 6 draws together common insights from the three preceding empirical chapters to better understand the everyday practical work of democratic mending. The chapter introduces the concept of ‘connective practices’ to capture the individual and collective efforts of actors to mend their democratic systems, and discusses the different features of connective practices that make them especially effective for mending democratic disconnects. Drawing insights from the empirical cases presented throughout the book, the chapter identifies the relational, creative, adaptive, co-constituted, and iterative characteristics of connective practices, and considers their democratic implications.