Work

Are dissatisfied democrats critical? Reevaluating the concept of the critical citizen

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Several studies have used the terms “critical citizen” and “dissatisfied democrat” interchangeably, assuming that both address the same citizen profile. However, recent studies conducted in new democracies have questioned this assumption, arguing that those who are dissatisfied are not always critical. This article investigates this question based on a comparison of the United States and Brazil. Beginning with the classification of two types of citizens, “dissatisfied democrats” and “critical democrats”, we appraise whether dissatisfied democrats are critical. Then, we test which of these two types of citizens is more engaged and has attitudes that are more democratic. The results show that dissatisfied democrats are not necessarily critical and that critical democrats are more engaged in politics and more committed to democracy than non-critical democrats.

Source: Opinião Pública

DOI: 10.1590/1807-01912017232316

Authors: Mario Fuks, Gabriel Avila Casalecchi, Mateus Morais Araújo

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Language: English

Topic: Political Theory and Democracy

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W2791739246