Inclusion and openness are essential components of a robust liberal democracy. In Part 1 of this series, we discussed Don Lavoie’s argument that open politics, similar to open markets, are necessary to utilize the dispersed knowledge of voters and provide governance structures for peaceful resolution of political disagreements. Building upon this argument, political scientist Kevin J. Elliott emphasizes the importance of inclusive democracy in his book “Democracy for Busy People.”
Elliott, drawing inspiration from the late political theorist Judith Shklar, advocates for putting inclusion at the forefront of democratic theory. He argues that political equality and inclusion are closely linked, and that political apathy leads to externalities and injustices within society. By prioritizing inclusion, Elliott believes that marginalized voices can be heard and represented in the political process.
One of the key points Elliott makes is the need for people to advocate for themselves in a political system. In an inclusive democracy, individuals have the opportunity to participate and represent themselves, even in the face of inequality. This stands in contrast to exclusive political systems, such as Athenian democracy, where certain groups are left unrepresented and reliant on others to advocate on their behalf.
Elliott also addresses the concept of “busyness” and the paradox of empowerment in the context of political inclusion. He acknowledges that people have competing demands on their time, such as work, childcare, and personal responsibilities, which can limit their ability to engage in politics. The paradox of empowerment highlights the challenge of increasing participation among busy individuals without overwhelming them with additional political demands.
While Lavoie proposed a radical expansion of democratic participation beyond traditional elections, Elliott offers a more nuanced approach that takes into account the practical barriers to political inclusion. By recognizing the limitations of busy people and the need to prioritize inclusivity, Elliott’s work provides valuable insights into how to create a more open and accessible democratic system.
In conclusion, the ideas of inclusion and openness are crucial for the success of a liberal democracy. By prioritizing political equality, advocating for marginalized voices, and addressing real-life barriers to participation, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective democratic system. Kevin J. Elliott’s work serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on democracy and political inclusion. In today’s political landscape, there is a growing demand for increased participation and engagement from citizens. However, this push for more involvement in politics may inadvertently empower those who already have the time, expertise, money, and inclination to participate, leaving others behind.
The vision of expanded democracy, as proposed by some, fails to consider the reality of busy lives and the paradox of empowerment. While the idea of everyone constantly engaging in political conversations sounds ideal, the truth is that not everyone has the luxury of time to dedicate to politics. This could lead to exclusive politics, where only a select few are able to actively participate, leaving the majority of people with other demands on their time marginalized.
This model of democracy also fails to address the challenge of balancing interests and values to ensure the legitimacy and buy-in necessary for democracy to function effectively. Without taking into account the diverse needs and constraints of individuals, any proposed system is bound to fall short of achieving true democratic representation.
In contrast, a model of citizenship known as “stand-by citizenship” offers a more practical approach. This model requires habitual attention to politics, knowledge of how to participate, and the ability to ramp up involvement when needed. By staying informed about political matters on a regular basis, citizens can hold their government accountable and make informed decisions about their level of engagement.
Having a solid understanding of the political system is also crucial, as it empowers citizens to take action and advocate for change effectively. Without this knowledge, individuals are more susceptible to manipulation and misinformation, making it difficult to navigate the complexities of political decision-making.
Furthermore, the ability to increase political involvement when necessary, rather than demanding constant engagement, ensures that democracy does not place an undue burden on citizens. By allowing individuals to participate at their own pace and level of interest, this model promotes inclusivity and openness in the political process.
Overall, a less demanding model of democratic citizenship that prioritizes accessibility and flexibility is essential for ensuring the active participation of all members of society. By recognizing the diverse needs and constraints of individuals, we can create a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly serves the interests of the people.
