At the Democratic Party Convention the other day in Chicago, Oprah Winfrey delivered a speech where she put among other things that “decency and respect are on the ballot”. Those who follow American politics in recent years know very well that decency and civility are dwindling.
Civility is a precondition for democracy. The practice of democracy in its essence is reliant on a civil conversation between people with opposing ideas whose only weapon is reasoned argument. Laws do ensure civil engagement.
Civility is not always given. Civility needs cultivation. Cultivation is culture. Sociologists such as Norbert Elias, a prominent sociologist, explored the concept of civility and underscored the role of civility and its evolution in the formation of state in modern society which has significant consequences for democracy.
In the history of democratization, civility has played an important role. For Elias, “civilizing process” involved regulation of behaviour, emotions, and the increasing need for self-control. Sociologists have explored the cultivation of civility in Japan that took place as Japan transitioned from the Tokugawa period through the Meiji Restoration. The Meiji rulers focused on civility.
Any visitor to Japan today would be impressed by the level of decency and civility. No wonder, Japan is rated as a full democracy even in the most stringent rankings of democracy, where even the United States is ranked as a “flawed democracy.”
Constructive dialogue is at the heart of democracy. Civility fosters an environment where individuals can engage in reasoned and respectful debates and deliberations which is essential in democratic societies, where diverse opinions need to be aired and considered before making decisions.
Inclusivity is a requirement of democracy which calls for compromises. Historical examples include the debates during the American Constitutional Convention of 1787, where despite significant disagreements, the delegates maintained a level of civility that allowed them to reach compromises.
Civility encourages participation. You cannot talk about inclusion or inclusivity without creating a condition of participation where people with different views, colours, or creeds, are not afraid to join because of the assurance of civility. When discourse is civil, more people feel comfortable participating in the democratic process. This inclusivity is vital for a healthy democracy, as it ensures that all voices are heard and considered.
Civility helps to build trust among citizens, which is necessary for building social cohesion. In societies where people trust each other and the institutions of government, there is a stronger sense of community and shared purpose, which supports democratic governance.
Civility cannot prevent political polarization yet by encouraging individuals to listen to and understand opposing viewpoints rather than demonizing them, it can bring a semblance of decency.
Civility helps legitimize democratic institutions by encouraging respect for the rule of law and the processes of government. When political leaders and citizens engage in a civil manner, they reinforce the legitimacy of the democratic system itself.
Civility is particularly important during transitions of power. The peaceful transfer of power, which is a hallmark of stable democracies, often hinges on the willingness of leaders and their supporters to act civilly, even in defeat.
Democracy often requires compromise, as governing involves balancing diverse interests and perspectives. Civility enables the negotiation and compromise necessary to achieve this balance, as seen in the legislative processes in democratic parliaments and congresses.
Civility helps balance the right to free speech with the responsibility to maintain public order and respect others' rights. This balance is crucial in democratic societies, where free expression is a core value but must be exercised in a way that does not harm the social fabric.
The American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., emphasized nonviolent civil disobedience and respectful protest, which played a key role in advancing democracy and civil rights in the United States.
Civility has been essential in enabling democratic societies to function effectively, allowing for respectful debate, building trust, legitimizing institutions, promoting compromise, and balancing freedoms with responsibilities.
The witch-hunting, indiscriminate lawsuits against the members of the fallen regime, lodging fantastic – in the literal sense – cases against political opponents have become the hallmarks of Bangladesh politics. One would expect that a decent person at the helm of affairs will put a stop to such uncivil practices and open the possibility of a civil discourse.
One of the foundations of democracy is rule of law and an impartial judicial system that will earn unconditional trust. If the judicial system is weaponized to settle scores and side with mob justice, the culture of civility and trust will remain a chimera postponing democracy.
Habibul Haque Khondker is a sociologist and columnist.