Journal article

Authors list: Holland-Cunz, Barbara

Publication year: 2023

Pages: 233-253

Journal: Allgemeine Zeitschrift für Philosophie

Volume number: 48

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0340-7969

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.12857/AZP.910480220-4

Publisher: Frommann-Holzboog

Abstract: 
In the first two decades of the second wave women's movement, the ideal of feminist democratic politics was one of democracy as a way of life - realized in political projects, communal ways of living and working, and outlined in utopian literature. Without explicit reference to John Dewey's classic concept of democracy, feminists imagined democracy as grounded in everyday social interaction and political culture, fundamentally different from a democratic ideal focused predominantly on institutional representation. In parallel, academic mainstream responded to Carole Pateman's and Benjamin Barber's theories of "strong democracy" - concepts that revitalized the spirit of democracy. Disillusioned by experiences with politics, 21st century feminist ideals of democracy are notably muted; in a turn toward real-politik, feminists today focus on parliamentary participation, policies of forming alliances, changed public spheres and critiques of populism. However, all forms of direct democracy remain relevant to the current situation.

Harvard Citation style: Holland-Cunz, B. (2023) Everyday Life, Habitus, Character, Culture and the Spirit of Democracy. Democracy as a Way of Life in the Recent (Feminist) History of Ideas and Politics, Allgemeine Zeitschrift für Philosophie, 48(2), pp. 233-253. https://doi.org/10.12857/AZP.910480220-4

APA Citation style: Holland-Cunz, B. (2023). Everyday Life, Habitus, Character, Culture and the Spirit of Democracy. Democracy as a Way of Life in the Recent (Feminist) History of Ideas and Politics. Allgemeine Zeitschrift für Philosophie. 48(2), 233-253. https://doi.org/10.12857/AZP.910480220-4