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Listening in polarised controversies: a study of listening practices in the public sphere

Author

Listed:
  • Carolyn M. Hendriks

    (Australian National University)

  • Selen A. Ercan

    (University of Canberra)

  • Sonya Duus

    (University of Canberra)

Abstract

Listening is an important feature of policy making and democratic politics. Yet in an era of increased polarisation the willingness and capacity of citizens to listen to each other, especially those they disagree with, is under strain. Drawing insights from a divisive community conflict over proposed coal seam gas development in regional Australia, this article examines how citizens listen to each other in a polarised controversy. The analysis identifies four different listening practices that citizens enact in a polarised public sphere, including (1) enclave listening between like-minded citizens; (2) alliance listening across different enclaves; (3) adversarial listening between citizens on opposing sides of the debate to monitor opponents; and (4) transformative listening where citizens listen selectively to other community members with the intention of changing their views. The article argues that all four listening practices fulfil important democratic functions in polarised debates such as enhancing the connective, reflective and communicative capacity of the public sphere. Notwithstanding these democratic contributions, under polarised conditions participatory interventions may be required to enhance the prospects of listening across difference.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolyn M. Hendriks & Selen A. Ercan & Sonya Duus, 2019. "Listening in polarised controversies: a study of listening practices in the public sphere," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 52(1), pages 137-151, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:policy:v:52:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s11077-018-9343-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11077-018-9343-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew Dobson, 2012. "Listening: The New Democratic Deficit," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 60(4), pages 843-859, December.
    2. James N. Druckman & Matthew S. Levendusky & Audrey McLain, 2018. "No Need to Watch: How the Effects of Partisan Media Can Spread via Interpersonal Discussions," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 62(1), pages 99-112, January.
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