ABSTRACT:
This paper revisits Arnstein's "A Ladder of Citizen Participation" which describes in varying degrees eight levels of participation from non-participation to citizen control to characterize the alternative degrees of participation manifested in each rung, like, Manipulation and Therapy (Non participation), Informing, Consultation and Placation (Degree of Tokenism) and Partnership, Delegated Power, and Citizen Control (Degree of Citizen Power). Arnstein argued that unless participation is at the stage of ‘Degrees of Citizen Power,’ where communities can exercise a degree of influence over decision-making, it remains either nonparticipant or tokenism. Any engagement less than that, she said, is “window dressing,” merely a show of involvement while giving no actual power. Arnstein’s model is a useful framework to assess both the depth, authenticity, and effectiveness of participation in development process, and it is consequently examined for its strengths and weaknesses within 21st century developments, where technological advances, globalization, and changing power dynamics mark this era. But today, in a world of constantly changing socio-political and economic stakes, new frontiers and progress, it offers limited utility. The challenges of bureaucracy, institutional inflexibility, elite capture (which disenfranchises less powerful community members), and issues of digital inclusion create an environment where genuine participation is limited to token engagements and consultations. Furthermore, the rise of digital technology and social media shapes participation in development planning, enabling more dynamic and fluid engagement that moves beyond the static rungs of Arnstein's ladder. It is argued that while Arnstein’s model continues to help navigate the citizen participation landscape, it needs re-interpretation in order to accommodate the complexities of the 21st century development.
Cite this article:
Vikash Sharma. Revisiting Arnstein’s A Ladder of Citizen Participation: Strengths and Limitations in the 21st Century. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(2):75-0. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00012
Cite(Electronic):
Vikash Sharma. Revisiting Arnstein’s A Ladder of Citizen Participation: Strengths and Limitations in the 21st Century. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(2):75-0. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00012 Available on: https://rjhssonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-16-2-3