In particular, we are interested in assessing the normative implications of the institutionalization of participatory devices for democratic policy-making, requirements of representativeness and accountability and public control over binding collective decisions.
In key note speeches as well as in workshops normative implications of new forms of participation for democratic practices will be addressed. Papers highlighting the following issues, either theoretically or empirically will be particularly appreciated:
• Does the well-established decision-making process in representative institutions change as a consequence of the institutionalization of participatory devices? In that case how?
• What kinds of formal relationships are established between elected representatives and consulted social actors?
• Which conceptions of participation and representation are emphasized by relevant institutional and social actors?
• What are the repercussions for established understandings of political accountability when civil society actors are involved?
• To what extent are governance networks able to compensate for weaknesses in established representative structures and processes? And, if so, at what cost?
• To what extent does the evolvement of governance network entail increasing rule by traditional forms of government?
Deadline for abstracts of papers
An abstract of no more than 200 words have to be submitted before January 20th, 2008 to pia.brundin@sam.oru.se