ICT is not participation is not democracy : eParticipation development models revisited

• There exist several models to describe "progress" to eParticipation. Models are typically ladder type and share two assumptions, progress is equalled with more sophisticated use of technology, and direct democracy is seen as the most advanced democracy model None of the assumptions are true. considering democratic theory. and neither is fruitful as the simplification disturbs analysis and hence obscures actual progress made. The models convey a false impression of progress. but neither the goal, nor the path or the stake-holders driving the development are clearly understood, presented or evidenced. This paper analyses commonly used models based on democratic theory and eParticipation practice, and concludes that all are biased and fail to distinguish between the three dimensions an eParticipation progress model must include: relevance to democracy by any definition, applicability to different processes. (capacity building as well as decision making), and measuring different levels of participation without direct democracy bias.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Information Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Informatik

Informatics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)