What outcomes can we reasonably expect from democracy? Does democracy fulfill these expectations in practice? How do we see and critique democracy to make it better.
Assessing Democracy’s Outcomes
Why Democracy Is Preferred
- Democracy is considered superior to alternatives like dictatorship or monarchy
because it:
- Promotes equality among citizens.
- Enhances individual dignity.
- Improves decision-making quality.
- Provides a method to resolve conflicts.
- Allows room to correct mistakes.
Challenges in Practice
- While democracy is supported in principle, its practical implementation often leaves people dissatisfied.
- Dilemma: Democracy is good morally and prudentially but faces challenges in meeting high expectations.
Realistic Expectations
- Democracy:
- Sets conditions for achieving goals but does not guarantee outcomes.
- Requires active citizen participation to realize its potential.
Key Outcomes of Democracy
1. Accountable, Responsive, and Legitimate Government
Expectations:
- Citizens should have the right to choose their rulers.
- Governments should be responsive to people’s needs.
- Decision-making should be based on norms and procedures (transparency).
Realities:
- Democracies often deliver free and fair elections and enable public debates.
- However, issues like corruption and ignoring the majority’s demands persist.
- Despite shortcomings, democracy is more legitimate than non-democratic regimes, as it is a government chosen by the people.
2. Economic Growth and Development
Economic Disparities
Expectation: Democracies should deliver economic growth and equitable development.
Reality:
Data (1950–2000):
- Democracies had an average economic growth rate of 3.95%, while dictatorships achieved 4.42%.
Economic development depends on factors like population, global situation, and policy choices—not just governance type.
Difference between the economic growth of developing nations with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
While democracies may not outperform dictatorships economically, they offer other positive outcomes like freedom and equity.
3. Reduction of Inequality and Poverty
- Expectations:
- Democracies should address economic disparities and reduce poverty.
- Reality:
- Democracies exhibit growing inequalities.
- E.g., In South Africa, the top 20% hold 64.8% of national income, while the bottom 20% receive only 2.9%.
- While democracies advocate political equality (one vote per citizen), economic inequalities often persist or worsen.
- Democracies exhibit growing inequalities.
4. Accommodation of Social Diversity
- Expectations:
- Democracy should promote harmony by accommodating diverse groups.
- Reality:
- Democracies excel at negotiating social divisions through procedures (e.g., Belgium).
- However, this requires:
- Majority cooperation with minorities.
- Prevention of majority dominance based on religion, race, or language.
- Failure to meet these conditions (e.g., Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict) undermines harmony.
5. Freedom and Dignity
- Expectations:
- Democracy should uphold individual dignity and freedom.
- Reality:
- Achievements:
- Women’s movements have advanced respect and equality.
- Caste inequalities in India have been legally and morally delegitimized.
- Challenges:
- Discrimination based on gender and caste persists.
- Democratic principles enable citizens to demand rights and ensure accountability.
- Achievements:
Factors for Evaluating Democracy
- Democracy’s success is measured by its ability to:
- Conduct free and fair elections.
- Guarantee dignity and individual freedom.
- Address economic and social inequalities.
- Promote inclusive governance.
Conclusion
- Continuous Evolution: Democracy evolves as citizens demand better governance and more equitable outcomes.
- Citizen Role: Awareness, participation, and constructive criticism strengthen democratic systems.
- Key Takeaway: Democracy transforms people from subjects into active citizens, empowering them to shape governance and ensure accountability.