Expert Conceptualisations of the Role of Lay Knowledge in Environmental Decisionmaking: challenges for Deliberative Democracy

Abstract

IntroductionIn a society defined by pluralism of values and knowledge systems (Beck, 1992), the public has become a focus of attention in terms of contributing to sustainable environmental planning decisions. The benefit of input of lay knowledge and values to decisionmaking beyond simple consultation on proposed courses of action is supported theoretically (see, for example,

(Dis)connected communities and sustainable place-making

“…Another notable difficulty in encouraging widespread participation is how prepared the professionals initially are for the challenges that it may bring (Petts and Brooks 2006). Many local authority professionals lack experience in anything beyond what Petts and Brooks (2006) describe as passive participatory processes (including public meetings).…”

“…Many local authority professionals lack experience in anything beyond what Petts and Brooks (2006) describe as passive participatory processes (including public meetings). This reflects the fact that traditionally, the planning process has been supported by a "linear message model" whereby expertise is "as a set of statements uttered by experts, rather than an ongoing learning process resulting from interactions between people in a decision-making context" (Petts andBrooks 2006, p. 1046). Professionals commonly perceive their role as one of acting on behalf of the public, rather than with them.…”

Social science perspectives on natural hazards risk and uncertainty

“…Demeritt, 2001;Nowotny et al, 2001). But when problems that require a decision about action, such as responding to natural hazards, are framed in the limited terms of one discipline or knowledge community, difficulties are known to arise (Owens, 2005;Petts and Brooks, 2006;Ricci et al, 2003). Here, we focus mainly on the interdisciplinary challenges.…”

Consulting completed: temporal aspects of expertise in urban development during times of fast policies

“…Since then, the research on the role of private experts and also on consultants influencing governmental policies is slowly evolving. This emerging field of research is closely linked to global social developments such as new waves of privatization, sustainability approaches or austerity politics (Parker et al, 2014;Petts and Brooks, 2006;Raco, 2013; see also Kipping and Wright, 2012). In times of austerity, intensified privatization -in the form of public-private partnerships (PPP) -and an increased influence of private sector experts are mutually reinforcing.…”