A multiperspectival approach to democratic theory: Five lessons for democratic innovations

Abstract

Deliberative democratic theory and the practice of deliberative minipublics currently hold a dominant position within the study of democratic innovations. This one-dimensional view inhibits learning from other perspectives in democratic theory. Responding to the post-model debate in democratic theory, the article argues for a multiperspectival approach that combines the normative grounding provided by models with diversity and innovation. Through the multiperspectival approach, the article presents five lessons for democratic innovations. By engaging with conceptions of democratic space in participatory, deliberative, agonistic, feminist, and transformative democratic theory, it argues that democratic innovations need to be (1) grounded, (2) connected, (3) agonised, (4) embodied, and (5) politicised. Drawing on empirical studies, it translates these five lessons into concrete recommendations for designers of democratic innovations.