Page 10 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

self-determination, and impact) is reviewed and theoretical logic is developed linking the four

dimensions to specific outcomes. The results, largely consistent across two case studies of group

dialogues in two different cities, suggest that no single dimension predicts all three outcomes. It

seems that participants in dialogue need to experience each of the empowerment dimensions in

order to achieve all of the hoped for outcomes of empowerment. Theoretical propositions emerged

which convey new understanding about the ways deliberative dialogue can be used to engage

participants confronted by difficult topics for group consideration including ‘implicit biases’,

themes of race and racism, dealing with a burdened criminal justice system, and more that result

in participant shifts in perspective. It is this exploration into how new understanding gained and

discovering how insights are generated during the CC process that makes this dissertation unique.

Community Conversations as a direct from of democratic deliberation and civic

engagement puts everyday people at the center of local problem solving. As a form of local input

and participation, it equips local groups with an approach and practice for tackling difficult issues

through authentic conversations that build relationships and offers a means for peeling back

divergent thoughts, opinions, and interests. The civics lesson we never had and the lack of deep

dialogue literature points to a vacuum reveals much is unknown about the emotional mechanics of

local group exchange, confrontation and opposition during a deliberative dialogue. The approach

this research utilized produced four newer theoretical propositions that interwoven adds to the

literature and dimension of scholarly research on civic engagement lends understanding about how

sustained deliberative dialogue promotes grassroots leadership, and creates a “meta” environment

of civility and working through (Yankelovich, 1991) for healthier, more productive communities.

A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about reality that inform the questions we

ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at as a result. In this sense for this dissertation, 4 theoretical

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