Enabling Equal Political Engagement

Abstract

Economic inequality is reflected in social inequality and together these two affect engagement and representation. Far from being an isolated factor, political participation is an indicator of a person’s overall level of well-being, physical and mental health, social networks and life situation. While this is particularly evident when it comes to voting, socioeconomic factors also increase the likelihood someone will become involved in non-parliamentary participation. In an inclusive democracy, the first step should be accessible to all kinds of citizens, regardless of their resources (Young, 2000). This is particularly warranted, since, in public debate, withdrawal from politics is often regarded as a matter of individual choice, not involuntary exclusion and marginalization. Emphasizing the role of motivational factors easily leads to the "responsibilization’"of the individual and builds a kind of an "empathy wall" (Hochschild, 2016) between insiders and outsiders, i.e. wage earners with protected jobs and those who are unemployed or hold temporary jobs with few employment rights (Lindvall and Rueda 2014). In the worst case scenario, such an empathy wall could prevent active search for means by which to facilitate political engagement among citizens with least participatory resources, such as those suffering from poor health. Yet, political participation is essentially collective action: ensuring its accessibility is also the responsibility of society. Schur, Kruse and Blanck’s (2014, p. 237) conclusion crystallizes the benefits of inclusive democracy: “Making full use of talents of people with disabilities would strengthen the economy, and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard would make democracy stronger and more vibrant.”

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