Metis, craft, civic mindedness: essential attributes of democratic citizenship in communities

Abstract

The promise of democracy rests on the practice of active citizenship. Historically, local government has been a key incubator of civic leadership. In recent decades, however, community fortunes have grown increasingly dependent on economic and policy decisions made elsewhere. Has the concentration of power in corporations and the state undermined the practice of local citizenship? Using data from two decades of field research in California communities, I argue that citizenship is alive if not entirely well in California communities, often taking unconventional or less heralded forms. The paper draws on democratic theory to articulate three essential attributes of democratic citizenship: metis (prudent knowledge), craft (skilled practice), and civic mindedness (sociable sensibility). It then provides examples of these attributes as they shape citizenship practices within welfare-to-work and local food systems networks. Finally, it suggests lessons for community developers interested in deepening the practice of democratic citizenship in contemporary communities.