Secondary Associations and Democratic Governance

In: Politics & society, Band 20, Heft 4, S. 393-472

Abstract

Following an editorial introduction to this special journal issue that summarizes the current transitions to democracy underway across the globe, considered is the role in the US & other developed welfare states of secondary associations (SAs), ie, nonfamilial organizations that mediate between individuals & firms, & between the institutions of the state & the formal electoral system. Assertions regarding the "mischiefs of faction" allegedly produced by SAs are changing in democratic theory & practice, with new speculation offered on how SAs can help solve rather than create problems of faction. A general strategy for accomplishing this is outlined, demonstrating how SA groups & systems of group representation can contribute to favorable economic performance & state efficiency while maintaining the democratic ideals of popular sovereignty & political equality. Three contemporary perspectives on SAs & factionalism in democratic societies are critically evaluated -- neoliberal constitutionalism, civic republicanism, & egalitarian pluralism. Steps required to implement "associative democracy" -- the deliberate politics of SAs -- are enumerated. Eight commentaries follow, including: Comments on "Secondary Associations and Democratic Governance," by Paul Q. Hirst (Birkbeck Coll, U of London, England); An Institutional Critique of Associative Democracy: Commentary on "Secondary Associations and Democratic Governance," by Ellen M. Immergut (Massachusetts Instit of Technology, Cambridge); Soft on Capitalism: Prospects for Secondary Associations and Democratic Governance, by Andrew Levine (U of Wisconsin, Madison); A Deliberate Perspective on Neocorporatism, by Jane Mansbridge (Northwestern U, Evanston, Ill); The Irony of Modern Democracy and Efforts to Improve Its Practice, by Philippe C. Schmitter (Stanford U, Calif); Inclusion and Secession: Questions of the Boundaries of Associative Democracy, by Wolfgang Streeck (U of Wisconsin, Madison); Progress through Mischief: The Social Movement Alternative to Secondary Associations, by Andrew Szasz (U of California, Santa Cruz); & Social Groups in Associative Democracy, by Iris Marion Young (U of Pittsburgh, Pa). K. Hyatt