Less complex language, more participation: how consultation documents shape participatory patterns

2021-06-10 | journal article; research paper. A publication with affiliation to the University of Göttingen.

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​Less complex language, more participation: how consultation documents shape participatory patterns​
Fink, S. ; Ruffing, E.; Burst, T. & Chinnow, S. K.​ (2021) 
Interest Groups & Advocacy10(3) pp. 199​-220​.​ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41309-021-00123-2 

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Authors
Fink, Simon ; Ruffing, Eva; Burst, Tobias; Chinnow, Sara Katharina
Abstract
Consultations are thought to increase the legitimacy of policies. However, this reasoning only holds if stakeholders really participate in the consultations. Current scholarship offers three explanations for participation patterns: Institutional rules, policy characteristics, and interest group resources determine participation. This article argues that additionally the linguistic complexity of consultation documents influences participation. Complex language deters potential participants, because it raises the costs of participation. A quantitative analysis of the German consultation of electricity grids lends credibility to the argument: If the description of a power line is simplified between two consultation rounds, the number of contributions mentioning that power line increases. This result contributes to our understanding of unequal participation patterns, and the institutional design of participatory procedures. If we think that legitimacy is enhanced by broad participation, then language of the documents matters.
Issue Date
10-June-2021
Journal
Interest Groups & Advocacy 
Organization
Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät ; Institut für Politikwissenschaft ; Arbeitsbereich Politisches System der BRD 
ISSN
2047-7414
eISSN
2047-7422
Language
English
Sponsor
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (1018)

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