Hearing the Other Side Deliberative versus Participatory Democracy [Paperback]

This book examines the consequences - both positive and negative - of living in mixed political company.Examines the consequences - both positive and negative - of living in mixed political company. Drawing on studies of Americans and their social networks, this book illuminates one of the key dilemmas of American politics: how to maintain a citizenry that is enthusiastically politically active, yet not intolerant of oppositional political perspectives.Examines the consequences - both positive and negative - of living in mixed political company. Drawing on studies of Americans and their social networks, this book illuminates one of the key dilemmas of American politics: how to maintain a citizenry that is enthusiastically politically active, yet not intolerant of oppositional political perspectives.'Religion and politics', as the old saying goes, 'should never be discussed in mixed company.'And yet fostering discussions that cross lines of political difference has long been a central concern of political theorists. More recently, it has also become a cause c?l?bre for pundits and civic-minded citizens wanting to improve the health of American democracy. But only recently have scholars begun empirical investigations of where and with what consequences people interact with those whose political views differ from their own. Hearing the Other Side examines this theme in the context of the contemporary United States. It is unique in its effort to link political theory with empirical research. Drawing on her empirical work, Mutz suggests that it is doubtful that an extremely activist political culture can also be a heavily deliberative one.1. Hearing the other side, in theory and in practice; 2. Encountering mixed political company: with whom and in what context?; 3. Benefits of hearing the other side; 4. The dark side of mixed political company; 5. The social citizen. A small number of books make an important contribution. This one makes a profound one. Participating ilss