Participation Is Not Enough : The Conditions of Possibility of Mediated Participatory Practices

Nico Carpentier (2009) European Journal of Communication 2009 24: 407-420, doi: 10.1177/0267323109345682


Participation became (at least partially) an object of celebration, trapped in a reductionist discourse of novelty, detached from the reception of its audiences and decontextualized from its political-ideological, communicativecultural and communicative-structural contexts. (p. 408)

[P]articipatory practices are not unconditionally appreciated by audience members, but are subject to specific conditions of possibility that are still embedded within the mass communication paradigm. Albeit in different degrees, these case studies show the importance of two ‘old’ key concepts – professional quality and social relevance – for these audiences’ evaluation of participatory practices. (p. 408)

The authors sharply criticized the contentions brought by the advent of new media and the participatory media theory: (1) privileging new media over old media in terms of the potential for participation and (2) interactivity is considered participation. Their argument is supported by Colin Sparks (2007, Globalization, Development and the Mass Media. London: Sage): In his analysis of participatory development theory, he wrote, "the dominant paradigm passed in theory, but retained a very extensive appeal in practice; the participatory paradigm, on the other hand, triumphed in development theory, but has failed to command any substantial
support in practice" (p. 59)

The authors also argued that participatory media theory emphasizes active use of media, leaving out those who are not involved in the participatory process. They also pointed out the underlying assumption that participation is beneficial and all involved would appreciate it decontextualizes the participatory practices, obscuring such important topics as democracy, empowerment, and so forth.

The authors show their research result of viewers' responses to participatory media products aired on Belgium. In their summary, the viewers seemed to understand the theoretical perspectives of participatory media theory in that ordinary people create their own media, but they criticized either poor quality or social relevance of such products. [The content is very much personal video letter style]. The authors wrote:

"The participatory nature of the production process (and its outcomes) may be theoretically applauded in the focus groups, but the actual materializations are met with fierce critiques or with indifference." (p. 418)

Thus, after long writing, the authors concluded that participation is not enough, stating:

"Both case studies show that the respondents perceive a strong need for media to use (aesthetic, narrative and technical) languages that are exceptional, and to narrate stories which are socially relevant. Just showing everyday life, or just organizing participation, is simply not enough. The images they want to see, still have to be magical as well." (p. 418)

[Participation as a form does not convey social relevance. It can be only self-indulgence. Therefore, sought connection to democracy and social power is important. Hereby participatory video should be distinct from traditional people's access to media.]