A Definition of Small Group Democracy

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16 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article clarifies the conceptual relationship between democracy and small group processes by providing a definition of small group democracy. A small democratic group is (a) powerful and (b) inclusive, with (c) a membership that is committed to the democratic process. A fully democratic group (d) maintains healthy, democratic relationships and (e) practices a democratic form of deliberationm including equal and adequate speaking opportunities and both comprehension and consideration. The concluding section makes recommendationsforfuture research, including the suggestion that researchers integrate theories of small group behavior with theories of democratic social change.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)278-301
Number of pages24
JournalSmall Group Research
Volume23
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1992

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

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