Convenor: Brigitte Geißel
Type: Closed panel
Chair: Szilvi Nagy
Discussants: Sonia Bussu
Amidst a growing demand for citizen participation in policymaking, innovative approaches that go beyond traditional methods—such as voting in referendums or deliberating in citizen panels—are emerging globally. However, while democratic innovations like climate assemblies, participatory budgeting, and minipublics have been praised for fostering public engagement, they might also exacerbate existing inequalities in the wider world, as more resourceful citizens tend to participate the most.
This panel seeks to explore Participatory and Deliberative Democracy (PDD) processes through an intersectional lens. By focusing on both conceptual and empirical approaches, the panel will draw on theoretical insights and case studies to suggest approaches to more inclusive designs that consider how socio-economic and structural inequalities shape participation patterns. The panel will consider if and how arts-based and creative digital and hybrid methods that move beyond talk-centric participation can strengthen inclusivity and contribute to building trust across diverse groups in society, and between marginalised communities and state institutions.
Contributions to this panel are invited to explore empirical cases and theoretical perspectives on:
• How can participatory spaces be co-designed to actively address intersectional inequalities (e.g., gender, race, class, ability) and enhance inclusivity?
• What do socioeconomic factors shape participation patterns, and how can different PDD help address socio-economic inequalities?
• How can art-based participatory models contribute to fostering intersectional equity?
• How can we conceptually frame and operationalise intersectionality, according to different research paradigms?
Panel papers:
1. The Promise of Art-Based Participatory Models in Fostering Intersectional Equity
2. Intersectional Inclusion in Deliberative Mini-Publics: A Conceptual Framework and Insights from Germany
3. Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives on Intersectional Inclusion in Participatory Processes using Q-Method
4. Arts-based Methods for Youth Democracy - Participatory Theatre as a Space for Social Justice in South Africa and the UK
5. Addressing Intersectional Inequalities in Local Governance: Creative Approaches to Producing Inclusive Participation with Migrant Women in Kildare, Ireland
6. 'Game' and 'Play' - Like Procedures and Processes for Inclusive Citizen Participation