Between radical aspirations and pragmatic challenges: Institutionalizing participatory governance in Scotland

Participatory forms of governance are increasingly institutionalised in democracies around the world. Yet, we know little about how public officials work to embed participatory governance. This article draws on a decade mixed methods research with practitioners at frontlines democratic innovation. Scotland is undergoing renewal through interplay between state and civil society three agendas: service reform, social justice, community empowerment. Legislation now mandates or supports deliberative processes. thus fruitful site study embedding paper investigates tensions radical aspirations pragmatic challenges. Exploring activism amongst shows liminality institutionalization processes, which troubles simplistic narratives empowerment versus co-optation. The analysis significant but limited progress for Scotland. But this ongoing, as activist developing ways turning aspiration into critical pragmatism.