Public policies from the perspective of participatory democracy

Popular participation through social networks as a mechanism to achieve greater efficiency

Abstract

The object of study is Public Policies within a context of participatory democracy and efficiency. The general objective was to analyse the possibility of using social networks, as mechanisms of popular participation for the formulation and control of Public Policies, in order to achieve greater efficiency of government actions. The method used for the main textual ideas' construction was the deductive and, for that, it was based on bibliographic research. In addition, an empirical analysis of the use of social networks as communication channels between society-political agent, was made through an interview with a political agent from the city of Curitiba. To support and to inform the debate, a conceptual approach of Public Policies and the principle of efficiency was carried out relating those to the concept of participatory democracy. In addition, the example of the 2011 Iceland Constituent was detailed, to justify the possibility of using social networks in Public Policies. It is concluded that the implementation of participatory Democracy is essential, in which the population will be able to express an opinion indicating their demands, legitimizing Public Policies. For that, it was indicated the use of social networks as mechanisms to create a political environment for participatory dialogue.