Citizen Participation

Objectives

• [ ] Citizen Behavior
• [ ] Liberal Democracy
• [ ] Participatory Democracy
• [ ] Arguments for Indirect Democracy
• [ ] Arguments for Direct Democracy
• [ ] Phenomenon of Democracy

Citizen Participation

• This is a fundamental theme central in the realm of politics and democracy.
• Another conception of democracy that has survived throughout contemporary (and liberal) democracies.
  • There is a necessity for citizens to be naturally interested in politics.
  • Assumptions of the task in intervening with decisions that regard public issues.
• This overlaps with political participation.
  • There is a focus on the active behavior of citizens in the political sphere.
• Types of citizen behavior:
  • Protest participation: Actions such as social lobbying in political settings
  • Social participation: Public hearings and surveys hosted by and involving citizens
  • Electoral participation: The act of campaigning for preferred political candidates and voting
  • Obligatory participation: The paying of taxes and performing of mandated role

Liberal democracy

• This is a constitution of bodies made up of specialized representatives.
• Based on formal equality; one head is equated to one vote.
• Often bureaucratized, with prioritization in decision making.

Participatory Democracy

• Related to direct democracy.
  • Insists on the necessity of bringing decisions as close to the people as possible.
• Posits strong constraints on the principle of delegation.
  • This is seen as an instrument of oligarchic power.
• Underlines the need to create the conditions for real equality.

Arguments of indirect democracy (representative)

• People are too passionate and selfish, or too passive and apathetic.
• Citizens cannot be expected to be responsible for every public sector decision.
  • They lack the time and knowledge.
• Citizens lack ‘rationality’ to participate directly.
  • “What will I gain from this act of participation that I would not gain if I fail to act?”
• The size and complexity of the public sector make direct participation unrealistic.
  • Technical, political, and administrative skills are needed to manage public affairs effectively - many citizens do not possess such skills.

Arguments of direct democracy (participatory)

• The more citizens participate (individually and collectively) in increasing number of arenas, the more citizens are likely to become more capable.
• Direct citizen participation leads towards better decision making.
  • It facilitates social stability by developing a sense of community.
• Participation increases collective decision.
  • The idea of making and promoting acceptance and respect towards the governance process.
• This is essential for the ongoing development of democratic values and skills among individuals.
  • Groups and communities are a necessary condition for (and a likely outcome of) success in collaborative governance.

Power asymmetry and the double-faced phenomenon of democracy

• Liberal democracy, despite its rhetoric and conception of free and equal citizens, cannot remedy or neutralize real power asymmetries.
• To fight inequalities (and their delegitimizing effects), greater transparency in the functioning of public - both representative and otherwise - institutions is thus called for along with the democratization of societal institutions.
  • The involvement of citizens must be continuous and direct, widening towards a capacity to intervene in all the different areas of a person’s everyday existence.
• The democratization of parties and associations is considered particularly important, as these mediate between society and state.

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