engleski

Structured Dissent with the Median Voter: Can We Move Forward from the Two-Party Standstill?

Contrary to the expectations of some of their proponents, democratic systems do not always produce creative, considerate and socially responsible citizens. It has long been observed that in a two-party system parties’ positions often converge toward the position of the median voter and thus, instead of widening the range of available options, minimize the opportunity for voters’ choice. We argue for the usefulness of James S. Coleman’s notion of “structured dissent” when considering how to avoid such narrowing of choice, encourage social innovation and increase social dynamism. Coleman originally conceived of structured dissent in the context of an “executive”, intending to find an optimal solution to a problem, and the “courtiers”, seeking to promote their individual interests. Tasked with preparing an exhaustive list of both favourable and unfavourable consequences of a particular solution, each courtier will give their best, seeking to advance individual interest in promotion. We argue that one of the main roles of civil society in a democratic system is to provide an opportunity for public “structured dissent” with the median voter’s position. By attempting to promote their particular interests (e.g. rights of LGBTIQ, interests of particular professions and so on) various civil society actors and groups enlarge the public space of possible options available to median (and other) voters. In comparison with the courtiers, there is a difference in that a single actor or advocacy group usually insists only on positive consequences of the advocated option, while dissenting actors and groups provide other perspectives. The system of education for active citizenship should familiarize students with the importance of structured dissent, prepare students to actively take part in the workings of formal and informal institutions of civil society, and inculcate in students norms of open, civil and dignified discussion.

active citizenship ; civil society ; median voter ; structured dissent

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