Abstract

CLAROS, Luis. Fear of democracy. The elitist reduction of plurality. Temas Sociales [online]. 2017, n.41, pp.13-26. ISSN 0040-2915.

One of the tensions inherent in the contemporary debate on democracy is that between openness to the participation of a diversity of subjects and positions, and the delimitation of those who are qualified to participate. This essay analyzes the ways in which this delimitation works. The definition of who can participate usually consists of stipulating a series of characteristics and attributes that subjects must have to be considered part of democracy. The lack of such characteristics usually operates as the basis of forms of exclusion. The acquisition of such attributes typically operates as a mechanism for homogenization.In both cases we are faced with processes of reduction of plurality.These forms of reduction imply a fear of assuming plurality in a radical sense.This fear usually comes from elitist positions under progressive discourses generate forms of exclusion of those who do not fall under the rules considered acceptable.

Keywords : democracy; plurality; elitism; intellectuals; subaltern.

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