Introduction
GCHU Intern Aisha Valenzuela, an MSc student in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance at the University of Oxford, discusses the importance of citizens’ juries in modern-day democracy and their relationship with well-being, focusing on the effects on cities and environmental governance. This blog post draws on the findings derived from a scoping review conducted under the supervision of Dr Astrid Krisch.
Deliberative democracy
In recent decades, democracy has undergone a shift towards participatory processes. Democratic innovations, including mini-publics, citizens’ juries, participatory budgeting and referendums “respond to technocratic tendencies in advanced societies by bridging the gap between citizens and experts” (Dahl, 1989, cited in: Leino et al., 2022 p. 3). These changes have led to an increased agency of citizens in the creation of knowledge and policies and have shown a positive impact on well-being at different scales.
One of the most interesting deliberative mechanisms within the array of participatory processes are citizens’ juries which “engage a small but demographically representative group of people in facilitated deliberation about a particular issue, and often are used for developing recommendations or making decisions” (Crosby & Doug, 2005).
This mode of deliberative democracy has been recommended by some studies owing to their potential to increase civic participation and promote well-being among citizens. A study conducted by researchers by the University of Arizona comparing the levels of impact of diverse ways of participation, found that citizens’ juries were the most effective in promoting empowerment and trust (Jo & Nabatchi, 2020).
Where participation meets the urban
One way that we can see tangible well-being effects of deliberative democracy is in cities. Public spaces in cities have been an essential component of urban life and have a significant role to play in people’s sense of belonging, ways of socialization, and well-being. The city, as a non-static place shaped by its interaction with its citizens, plays a vital role in the day-to-day experiences of people and their health.
Due to its relevance for wellbeing, participation in the creation of public spaces and cities becomes essential. One way of involving people in the processes of improving cities has been participatory budgeting (PB). Participatory budgeting refers to the practice of including the general population in decisions related to managing public funds. This has been shown to promote civic activism and citizen engagement and build social trust (Szczepańska et al., 2022). A recent study on participatory budgeting in large Polish cities showed that most local needs were related to public spaces, including land management and the provision of public facilities, both in individual cities and nationwide (ibid). The authors attribute these results to the key role of public spaces for social integration, recreation, and relaxation, all essential for individual and social well-being. These benefits have been supported by authors including Madanipour who accentuate the role of public spaces in the improvement of physical and mental health, social interactions, integration of the local community, as well as responsibility for one’s place of residence (Madanipour, 1999).
Democratic innovation for the climate crisis
Another example of the relationship between well-being and deliberative processes can be seen in the current landscape of climate change adaptation. Deliberative processes have been suggested as alternative means for addressing pressing issues in a way that brings justice into the discussion. The need for justice calls for the representation of multiple actors experiencing climate change in different and unequal ways, which is where deliberative democracy can come in. In a study conducted on Leeds citizens’ climate jury, researchers emphasised the importance of including marginalised citizens through deliberative processes to achieve social justice and legitimacy for transformative action in the context of energy transitions (Ross et al., 2021). To achieve social and environmental justice and diversity of opinions from various backgrounds, facilitation is a crucial factor, creating participation parity and promoting an increase in trust and place identity (ibid).
Reflecting on findings from these articles, the need for participation and engagement with individuals from a diversity of backgrounds seems crucial when thinking about ways to provide solutions for cities and in response to multiple crises. Deliberative democracy provides a promising lens through which to look at decision-making in a more inclusive and empowering way for citizens whose contributions have often been overlooked.
“It is not just the well-off who have good ideas. The quotidian, pro-environmental practices of the working classes are also key to any sustainability transition.” (Anantharaman et al., 2019, 196)
Bibliography:
Amy Ross, J. Van Alstine, M. Cotton & L. Middlemiss (2021) Deliberative democracy and environmental justice: evaluating the role of citizens’ juries in urban climate governance. Local Environment, 26:12, 1512-1531, DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2021.1990235
Anantharaman, M., E. Huddart Kennedy, L. Middlemiss, & S. Bradbury (2019). Who Participates in Community-Based Sustainable Consumption Projects and Why Does it Matter? A Constructively Critical Approach. In Power and Politics in Sustainable Consumption Research and Practice, edited by Cindy Isenhour, Mari Martiskeinen , and Lucie Middlemiss, 178–200. London: Routledge.
Crosby, N & Doug N. (2005) Citizens Juries: Creating a Trustworthy Voice of the People. In J. Gastil and P. Levine (eds.), The Deliberative Democracy Handbook: Strategies for Effective Civic Engagement in the Twenty-First Century, 111-119. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and its critics. Yale University Press.
Jo, S & Nabatchi, T. (2020). Different Processes, Different Outcomes? Assessing the Individual‐Level Impacts of Public Participation. Public Administration Review. 81. 10.1111/puar.13272.
Leino, Mikko & Kulha, Katariina & Setälä, Maija & Ylisalo, Juha. (2022). Expert hearings in mini-publics: How does the field of expertise influence deliberation and its outcomes?. Policy Sciences. 55. 10.1007/s11077-022-09465-3.
Madanipour, A. (1999). Why are the design and development of public spaces significant for cities? Environment and Planning b: Planning and Design, 26(6), 879–891. https://doi.org/10.1068/b2608 79
Szczepańska, A., Zagroba, M. & Pietrzyk, K. (2022) Participatory Budgeting as a Method for Improving Public Spaces in Major Polish Cities. Soc Indic Res 162, 231–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-021-02831-