Democratic Discontents. Comment on: Flinders, M. (2015) The Problem with Democracy

Matthew Flinders fine survey summarises the very wide contemporary literature on democratic discontents. Whilst of course recognising there is no single remedy, he urges attention to the development of political literacy. This involves practices of listening and speaking across civic space—from socialisation during schooling to democratic participation in adult life. In this brief note I want to offer a complementary perspective on these matters: why has citizen disaffection grown; what are the implications for policy-making practice; and finally, what systemic changes might be required to make wider engagement a reality