Broad inclusion in decisions improves outcomes and fairness

Evidence

In general, the more voices in community decision-making the more apt we are to come up with ideas and eventually decisions that work toward a healthy and just society. Moreover, it seems only fair that if the decision is going to affect a group of people, they should be given the opportunity to contribute ideas toward making the decision—they should be included. This basic idea—the right to participate in decision-making and to have one’s voice heard—is one of the fundamental principles in a democracy. — Rebecca A. Martusewicz, Jeff Edmundson, and John Lupinacci, EcoJustice Education, 330

Categorization

• SEED: A ready classroom activity: having 25 students solve a problem with 2 voices vs. all voices to demonstrate democratic inclusion.
• XREF: connects to: Decentralized decision-making by those directly impacted is intrinsic to democracy. — Rebecca A. Martusewicz, Jeff Edmundson, and John Lupinacci, EcoJustice Education: Toward Diverse,…, 339; Procedural inclusion by itself increases acceptance of adverse environmental decisions — Richard J. Lazarus, The Making of Environmental Law, 831; Fairness is a distinct principle guiding evaluation or decision-making (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Legitimacy arises from inclusion plus deliberation filtered through reasons #expands (0.85) — Jürgen Habermas, A New Structural Transformation of the…, 16
• Diversity improves group decisions partly by making majority members try harder #corroborates (0.82) — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 910
• Fair procedures signal that individuals are valued by the group #expands (0.80)
• Fair procedures convey respect and belonging rather than only instrumental benefits #expands (0.78) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 2320
• Activated needs for inclusion versus differentiation shift which nested group members identify with. #qualifies (0.78) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 720
• Fairness is a distinct principle guiding evaluation or decision-making #expands (0.72)