Understanding participatory governance arrangements in urban politics: idealist and cynical perspectives on the politics of citizen dialogues in Göteborg, Sweden

Tahvilzadeh, N. (2015). Understanding participatory governance arrangements in urban politics: idealist and cynical perspectives on the politics of citizen dialogues in Göteborg, Sweden. Urban Research & Practice, 1–17. doi:10.1080/17535069.2015.1050210

Platform
Gothenburg Global
Publication type
Scientific article (peer-reviewed)
Projects
Governance and Policy for Sustainability, GAPS
DOI Title
Understanding participatory governance arrangements in urban politics: idealist and cynical perspectives on the politics of citizen dialogues in Göteborg, Sweden
Journal
Urban Research & Practice
ISSN/ISBN
1753-5069 1753-5077
DOI
10.1080/17535069.2015.1050210
Author(s)
Nazem Tahvilzadeh
Published year
Subject
Geography, Planning and Development, Urban Studies
Tags
participatory governance citizen participation deliberation urban politics policy Sweden Göteborg

 

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to deepen the understanding of the spread of participatory governance arrangements (PGAs) in urban politics. While PGAs tend to be viewed from a democratization angle, several studies interpret them as part of other logics, such as public management ideals and neoliberal governmentality. By analyzing the policy content, political roots and motives behind the politics of ‘citizen dialogue’ in the city of Göteborg, Sweden, this article provides empirical insight and elaborates on how the turn toward participatory governance can be understood both from an idealist and a cynical perspective.

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