A Definition of Small Group Democracy

Abstract

This article clarifies the conceptual relationship between democracy and small group processes by providing a definition of small group democracy. A small democratic group is (a) powerful and (b) inclusive, with (c) a membership that is committed to the democratic process. A fully democratic group (d) maintains healthy, democratic relationships and (e) practices a democratic form of deliberation including equal and adequate speaking opportunities and both comprehension and consideration. The concluding section makes recommendations for future research, including the suggestion that researchers integrate theories of small group behavior with theories of democratic social change.

Keywords: democracy, small group, democratic theory