Lecture 10

Benefits of public participation: normative (values)

• democratic legitimacy

• citizen development

• political equality and inclusion

Democratic legitimacy (normative benefits)

Those affected by decisions should have a say in them

Citizen development (normative benefits)

strengthening of civic skills, optical awareness and democratic competence (public participation making people better citizens)

Political equality and inclusion (normative benefits)

marginalized and underrepresented people a voice—since public participation often benefits some more than others so equal access to decision making helps with participation of marginalized individuals

Benefits of public participation: instrumental

public participation is instrumental in achieving larger purpose

• better policy quality and effectiveness

• improved legitimacy decisions

• enhanced accountability

Better policy quality (instrumental benefit)

more realistic, responsive and implementable policies that are made including local knowledge lived experiences and practical insights e.g. drainage system in slum

Improved legitimacy decisions (instrumental benefits)

higher acceptance of decisions, acceptance creates legitimacy, legitimacy is needed in order for people to follow rules

Enhanced accountability (instrumental benefits)

officials more likely to motivate their actions clearly and responsibility, if officials collaborate with citizens will decide more time and energy to explain their decisions