Consociational is a political science term used to describe a form of democracy in which different communities and interest groups are represented and have a voice in decision-making. The word is spelled [kənˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənəl] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This spelling indicates that the stress falls on the second syllable, and the "c" is pronounced as "s" and "s" as "z". The "a" after "t" is pronounced as "sh" sound, and the "t" is silent.
Consociational is an adjective that pertains to or describes a consociational system or arrangement. It refers to a type of political organization or power-sharing arrangement that is characterized by inclusiveness and cooperation among different ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups within a society.
In a consociational system, diverse groups are given a significant degree of autonomy and representation, allowing them to participate in decision-making processes and share in the exercise of power. This approach is often employed in deeply divided societies, where there are tensions or conflicts based on identity factors such as ethnicity, religion, or language.
Consociational systems aim to promote stability and peace by ensuring that major communal groups have a say in governance and policies that affect them. This is typically achieved through the creation of power-sharing mechanisms, such as proportional representation in legislative bodies, guarantees for minority rights, and provisions for cultural or linguistic autonomy. In consociational arrangements, negotiations, dialogue, and compromise are central to decision-making processes, enabling diverse groups to coexist and cooperate within a shared political framework.
The term "consociational" is derived from the Latin word "consociare," meaning "to join together." It was popularized by the Dutch political scientist Arend Lijphart, who extensively studied and analyzed power-sharing systems and their applications in divided societies.
The term "consociational" is derived from the Latin word "consociatus", which means "to be joined or associated together". The term was introduced in the study of political science and developed by the Belgian political scientist Arend Lijphart in the mid-20th century. Lijphart used this term to describe a political system that is characterized by power-sharing and the creation of coalitions among different ethnic, religious, or cultural groups within a society. The etymology of the word primarily revolves around the concept of individuals or groups coming together to form a joint or associated governance structure.