Theories of Democratic Citizenship
Concerns about citizenship and democracy are particularly important and visible in recent political and social theory,
both of which call for a reinvigorate and more active and involved citizenship(Barber 1984; Mansbridge 1990; Mansbridge 1992; Paterman 1970;Sandel1996). Of particular relevance to our discussion is Sandel's suggestion that the prevailing model of the relationship between state and citizens is based on the idea that government exists to ensure citizens can make choices consistent with their self-interest by guaranteeing certain procedures (such as voting) and individual right. Obviously, this perspective is consistent with public choice economic and the New Public Management (see Kamensky 1996). But Sandel offers an alternative view of democratic citizenship, one in which individuals are much more actively engaged in governance. In this view, citizens look beyond self-interest to the larger public interest, adopting a broader and longer-term perspective that requires a knowledge of public affairs and also a sense of belonging, a concern for the whole, and a moral bond with the community whose fate it at stake (Sandel 1996,5-6;; see also Schubert 1957)