Hearing the real voices: exploring the experiences of the European Citizens' Panel

Authors: Fitzduff, Niall; Bryant, Peter; Lanigan, Gwen; Purvis, Catherine

Source: Participatory Learning and Action, Volume 58, Number 1, June 2008 , pp. 44-47(4)

Publisher: IIED - Participatory Learning and Action

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Abstract:

Citizens' panels were set up in regions of England and Ireland to discuss the 'future of rural areas'. However, when these panels sent representatives to a larger panel in Brussels, made up of 86 citizens from 10 regions of Europe, participants felt that their recommendations were largely ignored by European bureaucrats. For the most part policy makers simply defended their policies, missing the opportunity to engage in a new type of dialogue. Improvements to the methodology of the European panel are possible. But an alternative approach challenges the idea that a random sample of citizens can be 'representative' of wider communities, and would instead select citizens who are able to take action and push for implementation of recommendations, through linkage to a relevant social movement.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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Participatory Learning and Action (formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading informal journal on participatory approaches and methods. It is published 2-3 times a year and includes articles of both general and thematic interest. PLA draws on the expertise of guest editors and authors, providing timely accounts and critical analysis about participatory development in specific fields. All articles are peer reviewed by an International Editorial Board. Subscriptions are free to readers from the South. For more information and to subscribe, visit www.planotes.org.