Participatory Frustration: The Unintended Cultural Effect of Local Democratic Innovations Articles uri icon

authors

  • FERNANDEZ MARTINEZ, JOSE LUIS
  • GARCÍA ESPÍN, PATRICIA
  • JIMÉNEZ SÁNCHEZ, MANUEL

publication date

  • May 2020

start page

  • 718

end page

  • 748

issue

  • 5

volume

  • 52

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0095-3997

abstract

  • Most research on participatory processes has stressed the positive effects that these institutions have in the relationships between public authorities and civil society. This article analyzes a more negative product that has received scant attention: participatory frustration. Departing from Hirschman's cycles of involvement and detachment, the article shows four paths toward frustration after engaging in institutional participatory processes: (a) inflated expectations, (b) the failure of design and adjusting mechanisms, (c) poor results, and (d) abrupt discontinuations. Drawing on six cases in Spanish cities, this article proposes a reflection on how participatory reforms can contribute to feed frustration and political disenchantment.

keywords

  • participatory processes; local politics; participatory budgeting; advisory councils; civil society, frustration