Deliberation, Democracy, and Civic Forums
Improving Equality and Publicity

This book focuses on how to improve equal and public participation in a range of innovative citizen forums that could revitalize democracy around the world.

Christopher F. Karpowitz (Author), Chad Raphael (Author)

9781107046436, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 November 2014

414 pages, 45 b/w illus. 19 tables
23.1 x 15 x 2.5 cm, 0.68 kg

'An important contribution to our understanding of democracy that is both hopeful and realistic. Based on a sound grasp of theory, evidence, and experience, Karpowitz and Raphael show, in clear and accessible prose, how deliberation by ordinary citizens on important public questions can improve our democracy.' Stephen Macedo, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Politics, University Center for Human Values, Princeton University

Innovative forums that integrate citizen deliberation into policy making are revitalizing democracy in many places around the world. Yet controversy abounds over whether these forums ought to be seen as authentic sources of public opinion and how they should fit with existing political institutions. How can civic forums include less powerful citizens and ensure that their perspectives are heard on equal terms with more privileged citizens, officials, and policy experts? How can these fragile institutions communicate citizens' policy preferences effectively and legitimately to the rest of the political system? Deliberation, Democracy, and Civic Forums proposes creative solutions for improving equality and publicity, which are grounded in new theories about democratic deliberation, a careful review of research and practice in the field, and several original studies. This book speaks to scholars, practitioners, and sponsors of civic engagement, public management and consultation, and deliberative and participatory democracy.

1. Democratic deliberation in civic forums
Part I. Equality: 2. Enclave deliberation of the disempowered Christopher F. Karpowitz and Chad Raphael with Allen S. Hammond, IV
3. Enclave deliberation about the digital divide
Part II. Publicity: 4. Deliberative publicity
5. Argumentation
6. Transparency
7. Strengthening deliberative civic forums.

Subject Areas: Political activism [JPW], Political control & freedoms [JPV], Political structure & processes [JPH], Political science & theory [JPA], Politics & government [JP]