Abstract of "Constructing Multiracial Democracy: To Deliberate or Not to Deliberate" by Streich, Gregory

Conflict Consortium Abstract

"This article examines deliberative democratic theory in light of four criticisms leveled against it. Deliberative democratic theorists have defended deliberation as a normative and procedural form of democracy that enables people with deep moral disagreement to engage each other across those differences." The authors attempt to redefine deliberative democratic theory so that it may overcome the criticisms raised against it. They suggest that the dialogue, storytelling, and testimony that often takes place within community "mediating groups" offer a forum for examining differences of perspective, identity, and values.