Global value perceptions: The legitimising functions of western representations of democracy

Abstract

This paper argues that a fundamental antagonism between democracy and nondemocracy organises lay thinking on global issues. We review key findings of a long‐standing experimental research programme that examined the “Democracy‐as‐value” hypothesis across a variety of political and social contexts. This hypothesis contends that democracy is an ideological belief system that provides value to democratic individuals, groups, and institutions and thereby grants legitimacy to their actions. Based on procedural justice theories and social representations theory, we contend that western lay perceivers associate democracy with procedural equality and individual autonomy, whereas nondemocracy is associated with ingroup hierarchy and conformity. We discuss how idealised representations of democracy justify global power arrangements and emphasise the paradoxical justification function of democratic values through which nondemocratic forms of social regulation based on physical force are legitimised with the very democratic norms that call for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Globalisation and global concern: Developing a social psychology of human responses to global challenges

“…One cautionary point about the response to the Syrian (and broader) refugee crisis is that we should beware of overgeneralising. The work by Staerklé et al () convincingly shows that we would be wise not to assume culturally specific ideas of global humanitarianism are held by everybody, everywhere—such ideas may privilege Western values and even be used to justify the exclusion of some (also Rosenmann, ).…”

“…These studies are important steps in delineating how the global challenges the local and how local solutions may suggest responses on the global level. Another perspective on this relationship is offered by the Staerklé, Falomir Pichastor, Pereira, Berent, and Butera () review of an extensive research programme of the way local value preferences colour perceptions of group dynamics and international relations. Integrating studies from their ‘Democracy‐as‐Value’ paradigm, this review demonstrates how even the more beneficent aspects of globalised Western culture are used to justify the exclusion and maltreatment of others (also Rosenmann, ).…”

“…Some of these ways involve groups of people (the weak and the poor) being dependent (or indeed subservient) to others. Those modes of interdependency thus can be fiercely contested, and social arrangements that are seemingly universally desirable may be far less appealing (Staerklé et al, ; Rosenmann, ).…”

“…Griva and Chryssochoou (), for instance, in their investigation of the social representation of globalisation, provide a review of current scholarly debates regarding this charged term from elsewhere in the social sciences. Staerklé et al (), in another example, offer a nuanced discussion on the meaning of ‘democracy’ informed by political science inquiries. Walker et al () likewise reminds us of the fruitful contributions of research in social geography to our psychological inquiries.…”

Involucramiento Político Y Representaciones Sociales De La Democracia en Argentina

“…Estos tipos ideales se reproducen en las asociaciones y discursos de la ciudadanía; donde se corrobora la supremacía de un enfoque liberal y restrictivo de la democracia, basado casi exclusivamente en libertades individuales e igualdad ante la ley. Estudios en países de Europa Central y Occidental, así como de democracias con menos trayectoria y desarrollo arriban a conclusiones similares: predominan las RS vinculadas a una noción liberal representativa de democracia -principalmente la libertad e igualdad-, siendo más frecuentes que las referencias restringidas al electoralismo; aunque estas últimas son relativamente más habituales en países con menor trayectoria democrática (Dalton et al, 2007;Magioglou, 2000;Moodie et al, 1995;Staerkle et al, 2015). Los estudios en la región latinoamericana van en el mismo sentido: la noción latinoamericana de democracia se centra en la libertad, la justicia y la igualdad (democracia liberal) y, en menor medida, en las elecciones (democracia electoral) (Bruno & Barreiro, 2015;González Aguilar, 2016;Cerda, Herrera, Moreno, & Romero, 2016;Ruiz & Coy, 2004;Yépez Hernández, 2003;Zovatto, 2002).…”