Resurrecting Democracy

Through a case study of community organizing in the global city of London and an examination of the legacy of Saul Alinsky around the world, this book develops a constructive account of the relationship between religious diversity, democratic citizenship, and economic and political accountability. Based on an in-depth, ethnographic study, Part I identifies and depicts a consociational, populist and post-secular vision of democratic citizenship by reflecting on the different strands of thought and practice that feed into and help constitute community organizing. Particular attention is given to how organizing mediates the relationship between Christianity, Islam and Judaism and those without a religious commitment in order to forge a common life. Part II then unpacks the implications of this vision for how we respond to the spheres in which citizenship is enacted, namely, civil society, the sovereign nation-state, and the globalized economy. Overall, the book outlines a way of re-imagining democracy, developing innovative public policy, and addressing poverty in the contemporary context. Features: Offers the first systematic history of the work and impact of Saul Alinsky in the wider context of debates about the nature of democratic politics and citizenship and the delivery of social welfare provision ; The first systematic analysis of community organizing as a form of transnational, grassroots democracy ; Develops an innovative notion of interfaith relations as a 'civic practice', a way of addressing tensions and conflicts between different religious groups, particularly in the hyper-diverse context of global cities. (Publisher).