INT 904 Midterm: The Ladder of Citizen Participation Article Notes
20 Jun 2018
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Summary -- A Ladder of Citizen Participation (Arnstein, 1969)
People understand the importance of participating, however, as Arnstein (1969) suggests,
it is like eating spinach and while you know it’s good for you, it is just hard to digest. Many find
it difficult to participate due to their circumstances. Furthermore, the author suggests that there
needs to be a redistribution of power in order for one to appreciate it (Arnstein, 1969). This is
represented through the figure in the article which suggests that “I, you, he/she, we,” and “they”
participate, but only “they” profit (Arnstein, 1969).
Arnstein describes a “ladder of citizen participation” that showed
participation ranging from high to low. This ladder highlights ways in
which the community can be engaged. It is a guide to seeing who has
power when important decisions are being made. Notably, the rungs in
the ladder are not be taken as a set guideline for participation.
Arnstein uses a ladder as a metaphor to show the relationship
between the community and the government. This was done with the
intention to increase access to decision-making power.
She shows the difference between actual optimal participation and
something that may appear to be public participation but is merely a
masquerade.
The bottom rung of this ladder signifies the lowest level of
public participation and is therefore called “non-participation”
(Arnstein, 1969). This includes (1) Manipulation and (2) Therapy.
1) Manipulation -- In this form of participation, the
participant/observer is manipulated into thinking that they
are a participant by the powerholders. E.g. people are placed on advisory boards
for the purpose of “educating” them.
Document Summary
Summary -- a ladder of citizen participation (arnstein, 1969) People understand the importance of participating, however, as arnstein (1969) suggests, it is like eating spinach and while you know it"s good for you, it is just hard to digest. Many find it difficult to participate due to their circumstances. Furthermore, the author suggests that there needs to be a redistribution of power in order for one to appreciate it (arnstein, 1969). This is represented through the figure in the article which suggests that i, you, he/she, we, and they participate, but only they profit (arnstein, 1969). Arnstein describes a ladder of citizen participation that showed participation ranging from high to low. This ladder highlights ways in which the community can be engaged. It is a guide to seeing who has power when important decisions are being made. Notably, the rungs in the ladder are not be taken as a set guideline for participation.
