This paper examines deliberative democracy through text-as-data methods using transcripts of rural India's village assemblies (gram sabhas).
> Deliberation in Action <
Contrary to the perception of these gatherings as mere "talking shops," gram sabhas demonstrate citizens actively challenging officials, demanding transparency, and outlining development needs.
> Gender Disadvantages <
However, women face significant barriers. They are less likely to speak or have their concerns addressed by elected representatives.
> Quotas Effective? <
The study finds that female quotas for village presidencies increase the likelihood of citizen women being heard on development issues.
While preserving theoretical foundations is crucial, this research offers a nuanced view of deliberation's practical operation. Findings highlight how normative ideals can be operationalized empirically and suggest specific policy interventions to enhance democratic representation.
