Four Decades of Public Participation in Risk Decision Making. Issue 3 (14th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webler, Thomas; Tuler, Seth
• Is Part Of: Risk analysis. Volume 41:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 503
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14
• Subjects: Analytic‐deliberation -- public participation -- risk decision making -- risk management -- stakeholder engagement; Technology -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; 658.403
• DOI: 10.1111/risa.13250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4332

Abstract

Abstract: Over the past four decades, the promise of public participation to improve decisions, obtain legitimacy, and build capacity for risk decision making and management has had a mixed record. In this article, we offer a narrative of how public participation has evolved in the United States and we examine prospects for its future. We trace three forces that have had significant impact on practice: an emergent emphasis on democratic deliberation, a transition from dichotomous thinking about science versus politics to an integrated perspective, and the recognition that different parties to the decision‐making process bring valid epistemological contributions. The promise of public participation in risk decision making is challenged by loss of trust in institutions and individuals and by broad socio‐political dynamics that are weakening democratic values and processes. These include the scarcity of attitudes and aptitudes supportive of public participation among both individuals and institutions; an anti‐democratic political atmosphere that promotes disrespect; pursuit of private interests over the common good; failure to appreciate the limitations of dialogue and learning; underutilization of existing knowledge; and insufficient knowledge of how context matters. We end by offering several suggestions for focusing further research and improving practice.