CITATION AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
Cite as: Dervin, B., & Clark, K. D. (1993). Communication and democracy: A mandate for procedural invention. In S. Splichal & J. Wasko (Eds.), Communication and democracy (pp. 103-140). Norwood, NJ: Ablex. Reprinted in: B. Dervin & L. Foreman-Wernet (with E. Lauterbach) (Eds.). (2003). Sense-Making Methodology reader: Selected writings of Brenda Dervin (pp. 165-194). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.
© Ablex (1993) and Hampton Press (2003), reprinted by permission of Ablex (1993).

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ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this chapter is to present and develop an argument which suggests that the current emphasis on macro-level issues in discussions of “democratic” communication must be expanded to include emphasis on micro-level issues and, in particular, to include emphasis on the communicating procedures by which macro and micro are linked. We argue that most discussions of democratic communication now focus on “whos” (who gets to speak, who has power) and “whats” (what is communicated) but not “hows” (how do individuals connect to and make sense of self, other, society, culture, institutions; how do societies, cultures, institutions connect with individuals and with each other).

This chapter examines the causes and consequences of this de-emphasis of the “hows.” We specifically challenge that failure to attend to the procedural linkages between macro and micro levels seriously hampers our efforts to study and practice democratic communication. An alternative conception of communication-as-procedure is presented.

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See:  http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/AAauthors/authorlistclark.html