Dissensus and democratic accountability in a case of conflict (2020)

Type of Content
Journal ArticlePublisher
EmeraldISSN
0951-3574Language
enCollections
Abstract
© 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: This paper explores diverse practices of the giving and demanding of democratic accountability within a case of conflict around deep-sea petroleum exploration in Aotearoa New Zealand. These practices include submissions and consultations, partnership between Indigenous Peoples and a settler-colonial government and dissensus. These are theorised through the political thought of Jacques Rancière. Design/methodology/approach: A single case study approach is employed that seeks to particularise and draws on interview, documentary and media materials. Findings: By examining a case of conflict, the authors find that as opportunities for participation in democratic accountability processes are eroded, political dissensus emerges to demand parts in the accountability process. Dissensus creates counter forums within a wider understanding of democratic accountability. In this case, individuals and organisations move between police (where hierarchy counts those with a part) and politics (exercised when this hierarchy is disrupted by dissensus) to demand parts as police logics become more and less democratic. These parts are then utilised towards particular interests, but in this case to also create additional parts for those with none. Originality/value: This study privileges demands for accountability through dissensus as fundamental to democratic accountability, rather than just account giving and receiving. That is, who is or who is not included – who has a stake or a part – is crucial in a broader understanding of democratic accountability. This provides democratic accountability with a radical potential for creating change. The study also advances thinking on democratic accountability by drawing from Indigenous perspectives and experiences in a settler-colonial context.
Citation
Scobie MR, Milne MJ, Love TR (2020). Dissensus and democratic accountability in a case of conflict. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 33(5). 939-964.This citation is automatically generated and may be unreliable. Use as a guide only.
Keywords
Accountability; Oil; Democracy; IndigenousANZSRC Fields of Research
35 - Commerce, management, tourism and services::3501 - Accounting, auditing and accountability::350102 - Auditing and accountability44 - Human society::4408 - Political science::440809 - New Zealand government and politics
45 - Indigenous studies::4511 - Ngā tāngata, te porihanga me ngā hapori o te Māori (Māori peoples, society and community)::451122 - Te whai wāhi me te whakakanohi taha tōrāngapū o te Māori (Māori political participation and representation)
Rights
All rights reserved unless otherwise statedRelated items
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