Pragmatic, Extra-Formal Democracy

Based on trends in local political participation, we wish to develop the notion of extra-formal democracy. Extra-formal democracy-democratic practices that exist outside the formalisms of electoral processes-links citizens with one another. Citizens collaborate with, or contest one another in direct, robust ways. Representative democracy, as a passive and indirect expression of desire, is not energizing in the same way. Despite its attractions in terms of it directedness and situatedness, extra-formal democracy does not necessarily bring more or better democracy; and that is why research is needed. Extra-formal democracy can take many forms, and they all raise questions of authorization, both in practice and in theory. The authors propose a pragmatic form of democracy-emanating from particular questions arising from the situation. In the process, pragmatism is reconceptualized. Action emanates not only from intentions and new projects; it is also rooted in historical practices and relationships.