Sociology of state citizens' assemblies

A sociological analysis of citizens’ assemblies in Ireland and France—between participation and politics.

This chapter by Dimitri Courant offers a sociological analysis of state-level citizens’ assemblies, focusing on two major cases: the Irish Citizens’ Assembly and the French Citizens’ Convention on Climate. Based on qualitative fieldwork, the author investigates how these deliberative bodies—composed of randomly selected citizens—operate and interact with traditional political institutions. The chapter explores key issues such as legitimacy, influence on policymaking, and the tensions between citizen expertise, participatory design, and political decision-making. It highlights the institutional and social conditions under which citizens’ assemblies can effectively contribute to democratic innovation and legitimacy.

Source: Open Edition Books
Author information: Dimitri Courant
Language: French

Year of publication: 2022