Consultative Hubs for Democracy Within Neighborhoods in Muscat. Alternatives for Urban and Social Development Strategies

Abstract

The case of Khoud 6 in Muscat, Oman, manifests the collective power of inhabitants within local neighborhoods. The research presents interventions concerning physical infrastructure and youth capacity development within the neighborhood carried by various men and women committees. This model of decision-making and financing process raise the question to the existent of democratic practices within neighborhoods in a monarchy governing structure. Following a qualitative research approach, the research evaluates the governing structure of the mosque and surrounding facilities in Khoud 6, using local, regional and western principle of participation, social capital and democracy. The research focus on both political and social definitions that are legally binding and socially defined. The result presents a local participatory model within a neighborhood scale alongside culture values that governs urban development. The democratic model practiced in Khoud 6 evaluated alongside Arab philosophers and scholars articulation on democracy provides an environment that is inclusive to the women, men, and children of the neighborhood. Recommendation on policy levels for neighborhoods in the Middle East region in inclusive and democratic decision-making process is outlined. The research concludes with an outlook on democratic processes within neighborhood scale that carries direct impact on the lives of those who live within a defined community along with the hierarchical framework of planning.