Framework for Democratization
PLURALISM 101
DRAFT – For Educational Discussion Purposes Only
Dr. Habib Fatoo, Ph.D. Economics Michigan State University March 2017
What is Pluralism? •
•
•
•
Can you hear the word plural, meaning "more than one," in pluralism? Someone who believes in pluralism believes that there are many different ways to live, and thinks that the government and society should encourage and appreciate people's differences. Pluralism, as a philosophical doctrine, is a concept used in many different ways, but in general terms, is a political sociological theory of society; it refers to a state of affairs in which a multiplicity of groups or institutions are operative within society. The dictionary defines pluralism as “a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest, within the confines of a common civilization”. It is the belief that democracy can be achieved in a large, complex society by competition, bargaining and compromise among organized groups and that the individuals can participate in decision making through membership in these groups and by choosing among parties and candidates in elections.
Society and Democracy • Democratic decision-making is based on the fundamental assumption that, public reasoning lays at the core of the democratic process.
•
Decisions are reached not through the force of violence, but through the force of argument and debate in the public space.
• Self-government cannot always protect against mistakes, end ethnic strife, guarantee economic prosperity, or ensure happiness.
•
It does, however, allow for public debate to identify and fix mistakes, permit groups to meet and resolve differences, offer opportunities for economic growth, and provide opportunities for social advancement and individual expression.
• Freedom permits people to live a peaceful, private life. Democracy itself guarantees nothing.
•
Instead, it offers the opportunity to succeed as well as the risk of failure. It allows the citizens to be the ones who, finally, must take responsibility for the fate of the society in which they themselves have chosen to live.
Dimensions of Citizenship: Civil, Political, Social Rights •
Collective rights are also known as ‘fraternity’ or ‘solidarity’ rights because they propose new forms of national and international cooperation and solidarity. • These are rights that apply to people together or as a whole, such as the right of all peoples to self-determination, or the rights to development, a healthy environment, peace or food security. • To date, the UN General Assembly has endorsed a Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace (1984), and a Declaration on the Right to Development (1996). These address collective rights, but they are declarations rather than conventions and do not have the same legal force.
Democracy: Both a Promise and a Challenge • • • •
It is a promise that free human beings, working together, can govern themselves in a manner that will serve their aspirations for personal freedom, economic opportunity, and social justice. It is a challenge because the success of the democratic enterprise rests upon the shoulders of its citizens and no one else. Citizenship in a democracy requires participation, civility, and patience - rights as well as responsibilities. For democracy to succeed, citizens must be active, not passive, because the ultimate success or failure of the government is their own responsibility.
Majority Rule and Minority Rights • •
•
The principle of majority rule and minority rights characterizes all modern democracies, regardless of the extent to which they vary in their history, culture, population, and economy. The challenge for all democracies, however, is one of balance: to defend freedom of speech and assembly while countering speech that truly encourages violence, intimidation, or subversion of democratic institutions. The rights of minorities do not depend upon the good will of the majority and cannot be eliminated by majority vote. The rights of minorities are protected because democratic laws and institutions protect the rights of all citizens.
In Favour of Democracy: • Widen the channels through which citizens can effectively participate in • • • • • •
politics; Use new information technologies, network-type forms of political organization; Extend democracy into the workplace (employee ownership); Reduce the influence of big money on political systems; Increase the state’s ability to control economic elites; Create new forms of regulation of market economies both at the national and the global scale; and Develop effective social policies.
Dimensions of Citizenship Civil and political rights are viewed as liberty or freedom rights and are protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since they provide protection from state violations of the individual.
• • • • • •
Right to participate in the exercise of political power – to be elected to office or to elect others. Main institutions – elected bodies of government Liberty of the person. Freedom of speech, thought and faith. Right to own property. Right to defend and assert one’s rights on equal terms with others through due process of law. Main institutions – the courts.
Economic, social and cultural rights are conceptualized as ‘equality rights’ because they seek to guarantee access to essential social and economic goods, services and opportunities for all.
•These include things like the right to work or health care for all. •These rights are protected most comprehensively by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. •The right to a modicum of economic welfare and security. •Right to share in full in the social heritage. •Right to live the life of a civilized being according to standards prevailing in society. •Institutions – educational system and social services.
Public Reasoning and Decision Making •
•
•
Overcoming the disruptive influences of inequality on democratic decision-making is based on the fundamental assumption that public reasoning lies at the core of the democratic process. Decisions are reached not through force of violence, but through the force of argument and debate in the public space. Seeing public reasoning as central to the democratic experience requires paying particular attention to the way and the context in which this public debate takes place. • Deliberation is the essence of democracy, because democracy is nothing else but an exercise in reasoning about what ought to be done in the public space, which policies should be undertaken, and what priorities should be pursued. The ends of policy-making are not given, neither are the means to achieve them, and policies are thus to be decided by the citizens themselves. • Decisions are not made following a per-established rule or by ‘flipping a coin’ but by following a search for the ‘best’ decisions according to what ought to be done given a certain conception of truth and what is good for society. • It is argued that reasoning is the mechanism in a democracy through which people rule themselves.
What if there is Inequality on democratic decision-making? •
Among the skills required for effective political functioning are:
• • • • •
•
Those who lack these skills, even though they are formally and physically included in the democratic process, will most likely remain excluded from it.
•
•
The skill of initiating public dialogue or making proposals about an issue; The ability to engage in argument and counter-argument; The skills in framing and re-framing a debate; The ability to find ways to harmonize proposals and deal with conflicting views; and The ability for persuasive but not manipulative rhetoric.
The answer lies rather in deepening democracy at the national level itself, so that it can better design policies dealing with global problems in the long term. Democracy is not a state that is reached, nor is it ever a completed process. Democracy is always in the making.
The routes proposed to overcome the disruptive influences of inequality on democratic decision-making are based on the fundamental assumption that, at the core of the democratic process, lies public reasoning. Decisions are reached not through force of violence, but through the force of argument and debate in the public space.
Ethics and Morality •
• •
Ethics are taken into consideration during the investigation of methods for making ethical decisions and the principles that guide moral judgment as well as investigation of the meaning of moral terms. Ethics are also concerned with the justification of moral decisions. Morality refers to practical judgment. Ethics may inform practical moral judgments.
What is Conscience? "So we also must learn to listen more to our conscience. Be careful, however: this does not mean we ought to follow our ego, do whatever interests us, whatever suits us, whatever pleases us. That is not conscience. Conscience is the interior space in which we can listen to and hear the truth, the good, the voice of God. It is the inner place of our relationship with Him, who speaks to our heart and helps us to discern, to understand the path we ought to take, and once the decision is made, to move forward, to remain faithful.� – Pope Francis, Sunday Angelus, 2013-06-30
Why Pluralism?
•
•
•
The concept of “pluralism” broadens our view of integration and assimilation to include recognition of the fact that religious, ethnic, and cultural differences among people can be a source of personal and civic enrichment, and it can infuse vitality into our society. Pluralism – when fostered in the context of openness and understanding – can overcome fear of the unknown (“the foreigner”) and can encourage people to actively engage with one another as opposed to keeping separated. It encourages people to maintain their cultural and religious differences instead of trying to be the same. It encourages others to be respectful of these differences and supportive of all members of their communities.
Global Dimensions •
•
•
Matters that affect people’s lives are increasingly of a global nature; they include climate change, food production, terrorist threats, to name a few. Unfortunately, there is no global government to address these issues in a democratic way. The current institutions of global governance, such as the World Bank, IMF and World Trade Organization, are perceived to be minimally accountable to the general public. This situation is often perceived to be one of global democratic deficit. Given the unrealistic feasibility of a democratically-elected government at the global level, political participation takes the place of involvement with civil society organizations that transcend national boundaries and affect democratic processes beyond their border. Or in other words, political participation becomes ‘global public action’. It has been argued that civil society, taken in its global dimensions, is essential to making the global decision-making architecture more democratic. Global civil society:
• • • • •
Gives voice to stakeholders; It fuels debate in and about global governance; It increases the public transparency of global governances It increases the public accountability of regulatory agencies; and It provides legitimacy to global governance institutions.
Strengthening Democracy: Promoting Civil Society •
There is no easy solution to the conflict-consensus equation.
•
•
Civil society envisages the growth of civilization to one in which society as a whole reaches a “civilized form.”
•
•
Democracy is not a machine that runs on its own, once proper principles are inserted. A democratic society needs the commitment of citizens who accept the inevitability of intellectual and political conflict, while still acknowledging the necessity for tolerance.
In a democracy, government is only one thread in the social fabric of many and varied public and private institutions, legal forums, political parties, and organizations. Most democratic societies have thousands of private organizations, some local, some national and some international.
Civil society is an arena where the modern person can gratify their selfinterests and develop their individuality, while also learning the value of group action and social solidarity which can educate for citizenship and allows for participation in the political sphere of the state. It provides “networks of civic engagement” within which reciprocity is learned and enforced, and trust is generated.
What are some of the critical dimensions of Pluralism? Political Pluralism •Conflicts can only be resolved durably by negotiation which leads to compromise and mutual understanding. •Acknowledges the diversity of interests and considers it imperative that members of society accommodate their differences by engaging in good-faith negotiation. •A situation of open competition for electoral support within a significant part of the adult population - ensures competition of group interests and relative equality. •Pluralists stress civil rights, such as freedom of expression and organization, and an electoral system with at least two parties.
Social Pluralism Refers to the concepts of: •Human equality and justice; •Responsible citizenship and consumerism; •Fairness at local, national and international levels; and •Constitutional democracy and economic responsibility.
What are some of the critical dimensions of pluralism? Cultural Pluralism •
•
•
Diversity is a positive attribute of society. It is a descriptive term for the phenomenon of many cultures coexisting and interacting within the same spatial area, whether it is a district, village, town, nation, region or global space. Right to preserve cultural heritage where smaller groups within a larger society maintain their unique cultural identities and their values and practices are accepted by the wider culture. It goes beyond tolerance of understanding appreciation, embracement to celebrating diverse cultures. It is essential that persons and groups having plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities should live together in harmonious interactions and proper accord.
Religious Pluralism •Religious pluralism generally refers to the
belief in two or more religious worldviews as being equally valid or acceptable. More than mere tolerance, religious pluralism accepts multiple paths to God or gods as a possibility and is usually contrasted with “exclusive,” the idea that there is only one true religion or way to know God. •The goal is to bring people of different faiths together and provide a platform for them to share their beliefs, systems, and rituals, while expanding the comfort zone of each group. Encourage individuals to develop an open mind and open heart toward their fellow beings. Accept and respect the God given uniqueness of every individual. Appreciate different religious views. •Encourage individuals to develop an open mind and open heart toward their fellow human beings. Accept and respect the God given uniqueness of every individual. Appreciate different religious views.
Progression towards Pluralistic Society Pluralistic Society
High High influence of citizens and civil society
Government is a neutral arbitrator Citizens Influence
Low participation of citizens Decisions made largely by the government
Low High
Government Influence Copyrighted by Dr. Habib Fatoo
Low
From Vision to Action: A Set of Illustrative Transformative Changes • Build peace and effective, open and accountable institutions for all. • Freedom from fear, conflict and violence is the most fundamental human right, • • •
and the essential foundation for building peaceful and prosperous societies. We must recognize peace and good governance as core elements of well-being, not as optional/extra elements. Responsive and legitimate institutions should encourage the rule of law, property rights, freedom of speech and the media, open political choice, access to justice, and accountable government and public institutions. We need a transparency revolution, so citizens can see exactly where and how taxes, aid and revenues from attractive industries are spent. These are ends as well as means.
From Vision to Action: A Set of Illustrative Transformative Ideas •
• •
What do you think is at stake? • In the end, people living in a democratic society must serve as the ultimate guardians of their own freedom and must forge their own path. What are your role(s) and responsibilities? • This entails the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms. Where do you stand? • The charm of the democratic principles is that you have the right to be wrong and I will defend your right to be wrong.
Promoting Peace, Progress and Prosperity From Concepts to Concretes Democracy
Civic Society
Civil Society
Pluralism
Diversity
Equality
Empowering
Inclusive
Human Security
Human Rights
Human Development
Sustainable Development
Public Reasoning and Decision Making
Humanistic Values
Ethical / Moral Reasoning
Social Conscience
Transparency
Accountability
Good Governance
Holistic
Health
Housing
Education
Employment and Income
Sustainable People Focused on Environment-Friendly Development
Observations and Key Messages • •
•
This PowerPoint presentation provides a ‘birds eye’ view of the features of our vision and some highlights of the journey. Its primary purpose is to act as a supplementary source. It is not intended to compete in any way with the excellent programs and projects that are a part of the unique and historical event of Diamond Jubilee. Please be informed and get insights on some selected key concepts (understand the origin, definitions, meanings and key features).
Your Turn • • • •
As part of a highly civil and religious society, be informed and be knowledgeable and the more you prepare and plan, the more energized and excited you will be. Discuss, dialogue and discourse with your colleagues (at school, work/office, social gatherings and among your family and friends). Engage yourself and your partner in contributions. Make it a point to attend seminars and guest presentations.
Who Are We and Why This? •
•
This presentation is brought to you by the Fatoo Family and was prepared by Dr. Habib Fatoo, Founder, President and CEO of the F4G (Global Good Governess Group). The author acknowledges the research and editorial support provided by Ms. Samita Surmawala. As part of Fatoo family tradition, we are committed to creatively and constructively enhancing and enriching our readers’ knowledge base. For the forthcoming most historic and unique commemoration we aspire to transcend, enlighten and elevate our readers' intrinsic desire; and empower and enable them to successfully experience an exhilarating and ecstatic Diamond Jubilee!