The Deliberative Democratic Inclusion of Future Generations: Institutions for Future Generations

This chapter argues for the institutionalization of deliberative mini-publics as a mechanism for both improving the standing of future generations in the decision-making process and the representation of these interests in the public imagination. Mini-publics themselves are organized deliberative events where a randomly selected group of citizens consider a public issue, usually with a view to making actionable recommendations. The argument is predicated on empirical findings from mini-publics, which demonstrate that deliberation serves to improve the standing of future generations via discursive representation. The mechanisms whereby this occurs are identified, particularly in relation to the development of a ‘deliberative stance’. These mechanisms are then translated into recommendations for institutional designs that maximize the positive effects for realizing the interests of future generations, not only within the deliberative forum itself, but also among the wider public