https://theloop.ecpr.eu/democracy-as-a-problem/

Michael Hanchard draws from the scholarship of WEB DuBois to argue that "democracy is not necessarily the solution to problems of political and economic inequality. Rather, it is a phenomenon and practice in need of explanation."

Indeed, practising democracy of whatever kind in whatever location, often presents itself as a problem. How do we do it? Is it fair to everyone? Are all equal in their power relative to each other and do all have control over the decision? Etc.

The power of Hanchard's and DuBois' point here is that it reveals how presently practised democracies, and their histories, have been exclusionary. They still are in many ways.

We should all take caution with the claim that "democracy is a good thing" for it is only a good thing if it is being brought to life, to practice, by all members of a relevant group - be that the private citizens of a country, a school's community, or the members of a family.

Obviously, it is up to the peoples in the group to decide if their democracy is a good one or not.

Do you think democracy presents itself as a problem that needs to be engaged with?

https://theloop.ecpr.eu/democracy-as-a-problem/

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