Inclusion and Democracy

by Iris Marion Young

This controversial new look at democracy in a multicultural society considers the ideals of political inclusion and exclusion, and recommends ways to engage in democratic politics in a more inclusive way. Processes of debate and decision making often marginalize individuals and groups because the norms of political discussion are biased against some forms of expression.

Inclusion and Democracy broadens our understanding of democratic communication by reflecting on the positive political functions of narrative, rhetorically situated appeals, and public protest. It reconstructs concepts of civil society and public sphere as enacting such plural forms of communication among debating citizens in large-scale societies.

Iris Marion Young thoroughly discusses class, race, and gender bias in democratic processes, and argues that the scope of a polity should extend as wide as the scope of social and economic interactions that raise issues of justice. Today this implies the need for global democratic institutions. Young also contends that due to processes of residential segregation and the design of municipal jurisdictions, metropolitan governments which preserve significant local autonomy may be necessary to promote political equality.

This latest work from one of the world's leading political philosophers will appeal to audiences from a variety of fields, including philosophy, political science, women's studies, ethnic studies, sociology, and communications studies.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Political Science, Nonfiction, Feminism, Gender, Theory

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2000

About the author

Iris Marion Young was an American political theorist and feminist focused on the nature of justice and social difference. She served as Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and was affiliated with the Center for Gender Studies and the Human Rights program there.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Inclusion and Democracy, Iris Marion Young theorizes democratic communication and inclusion in a democratic society. Two ideals of a democratic society should be self-determination, or "being able to participate in determining one's action and the condition of one's actions" (32); and self-development, or the ability "to learn and use satisfying and expansive skills in socially recognized settings, and . . . to play and communicate with others or express their feelings and perspectives on social life in contexts where others can listen" (32). She argues for an open discussion that allows for a variety of communication styles; she theorizes three: greeting, rhetoric, and narrative (53).

[Carissa Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting theory on democracy in the United States.

[Isabella]

yuck

[John C. Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly informative!

[Adrian Fanaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with a presentation of deliberative democracy versus aggregative democracy. Then a description of rethoric is made, as essential part of the communication required in democracies. The author follows with notes on the politics of difference, not to be confused with identity politics. Politics of difference is about different social strata competing for power, for resources, and ideas or policies. These different groups have different perspectives on the same issues, and find harder to see the things from a different perspective than theirs, though not impossible. Representation is then covered with the author claiming that despite its critics, representation is still the only possible way in democracies. Next, the author talks about civil society and associative democracy, which can be centralized, but also decentralized, as envisioned by Paul Hirst. An associative democracy would be the organization of society in associations, with the state being slowly transfered towards these associations, which have a closer understanding of the situation of their constituting people. People would voluntarily join these associations, and these associations would be sponsored by taxes, as is the state now.

[Cecilia Pang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young has literally changed my life. Gives me the “purpose” as to why the work I’m doing matters.

Thank you for your clarity and power of work.