2012/09/10 by Patrick Heller · 2 citations
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Microfinance and Financial Inclusion #Politics and Society in Latin America #Social and Economic Development in India
paper · doi:10.1057/pol.2012.19
openalex publication_date 2012/09/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
This article argues that in thinking about the challenges of inclusive democratic development in the global south we need to refocus attention on effective citizenship, that is, the actual capacity of citizens to make use of formal political and civic rights. Empirically this calls for closer analytic attention to the participatory dimensions of democracy and specifically to an examination of the political and institutional conditions under which decentralized participatory governance can be promoted. The essay reviews research findings from ambitious reform projects in participatory governance in Brazil, India (Kerala) and South Africa and draws out some comparative lessons that highlight the complex interplay of political parties and civil society.