Robert Putnam describes social capital as the collective interconnection between social networks to the elements of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from such networks. The current trends of democracies have demanded a considerable focus to change approaches towards achieving a more robust political participation and lobby for democracy. The emergence and development of technological tools are one of the most significant shifts facing civic engagement and the development of democracy, thus reversing the decline in social capitals.
Putnam could consider the effectiveness of technology in the efforts to reverse the ongoing decline in civic participation across the country. The rise of media democracies has significantly disrupted the convention of civic participation and has since challenged previous approaches. Media democracy incorporates media studies into public advocacy in the efforts to strengthen the quality and delivery of public services. Besides, media consensus has created alternatives to the conventional civic participation approaches that are more robust, fast, and widespread in their commitment to facilitating the spread of democracy. The mass media system created out of the action of media freedom is key to empowering members of the public on their civic roles in governance.
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Social media constitutes an essential aspect of today’s activities of social capital, especially in matters regarding their roles in influencing democratic participation. Social media tools store and deliver data on specific political issues as posted by social capital. Social media channels have presented democracy lobbyists with various platforms upon which election processes, global conflicts, diplomacy as well as citizen participation can be monitored and reviewed in the perception of the public itself (UNDP, 2019). Social capital units across the United States, such as community sports leagues, labor unions, churches, synagogues, and other movements, have established a presence across various networks with vast user traffics. Their operations across these networks have mainly focused on creating public awareness of issues attached to democracy, politics, and economy. They also initiate public participation in chatting the way forward and hence call for changes.
Part II- Democratic Participation in China
Why More Social Capital Is Needed
Information regarding inclusivity in the dimensions of democratic involvement in China is scared as there is limited data established on the same. The focus of democracy dialogue is a crucial issue of discussion within the China setting. Issues such as participation of the marginalized communities, and the potential influence that they have on the sphere of political outcomes remaining reprisal. China has particular political issues that impede a seamless establishment and growth of democracy within its structures (UNDP, 2019). Lack of adequate pluralism is a significant pose significant limitation to democracy in China.
In terms of elections, not all political parties possess equal rights to organize their operations. Cultural pluralism, religious pluralism, and gender pluralism are also crucial challenges that need readjustment within the China democracy system. Political inequality can be traced in the Mao Zedong leadership during communism period. There is a wide gender gap in terms of democratic participation, as women hardly engage in political activities (Bora, 2010). People living with disabilities are inadequately represented and is, therefore, an essential threat to democratic inclusions. The equitable participation of individuals living with disabilities delineates their prosperity in the social and economic constructs. There is a significant lack of protection of the rights of minority groups, which delineates meaning from the rights extended to the majority groups. Other social issues are corruption, over population and environmental degradation.
Interventions
There is a developing trend in the integration of the digital revolution within China society. The roles of e-citizen in enhancing freedom and privacy have continued to manifest as the China youth increasingly engage in conversations that seek answers to some of the critical challenges of democracy. Existing civil societies should be equipped with the necessary resources to intervene in the ongoing difficulties of democracy within China. Cyberspace would present an essential opportunity for civil societies to uphold democratic values (Powell & Dalton, 2012). The real feudal capitalism within the China political structure should also be intervened through the initiation of approaches aimed at overcoming class structures in the China setting.
There is a need for the public to make use of the internet space as it grows both in volume and effectiveness. The China youth can grasp the opportunity presented by the internet to influence change through creating and sustaining awareness of specific issues of concern. Reshaping the course of democracy in China heavily relies on youth participation in civic processes. There are growing fears of inequality in aspects such as employment, social security, and social cohesion. There is a need to consider with utmost seriousness the familiar world of everyday life as the beginning of enhanced civic participation across societies. Addressing other social ills such as corruption and allowing equal government participation for all Chinese will promote democracy.
A Sentence for Each Group
Marginalized societies should be made free to practice civic participation and therefore influence critical decisions within the political and economic structures. Pluralism should also be made the basis of democracy, which means that cultural diversity, religious pluralism, as well as gender diversity should be considered while constituting different approaches to improving civic participation. Fairness in terms of political and resource representation can be achieved by negotiating for robustness in terms of pluralism, commonality as well as the rationality of identities. Also, religion constitutes a significant element of democracy and should be integrated into civic participation approaches (Powell & Dalton, 2012). It is because religion forms a substantial constituent of humanity, without which favorable codes of ethics would lack from the bases of social progress. The importance of individuals with disabilities within democracies. Civic participation of persons with disabilities should be positioned such that their influence in decision-making is felt. China participation in world affairs, such as U.N security Council is an indication that democracy is starting to be practiced, indicating the nation will fully democratize.
References
Bora, N. (2010). China A Struggling Democracy. The Indian Journal of Political Science, 71 (2), 677-682.
Powell, G. B., & Dalton, R. J. (2012). Comparative Politics Today: A World View. New York City: Pearson Education, Inc.
UNDP. (2019). Democratic Governance . Retrieved from United Nations Development Programme: http://www.pk.undp.org/content/China/en/home/ourwork/democraticgovernance/overview.html
