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Embedded in the issue of inclusivity are justice and freedom, and the ways in which these

conditions manifest in participant interactions in Community Conversation and other relatable

civic engagement settings offer a platform that invites expression of personal opinion. Young

(1990) noted that inclusion within the context of participatory democracy “must promote the ideal

of a heterogeneous public, in which persons stand forth with their differences acknowledged and

respected, though not completely understood by others” (p. 119). Extending Young’s critical

assessment of inclusion in public institutions to civic engagement and community-based

deliberative dialogue will provide further insight and understanding what informs that sense of

Metasphere giving meaningful expression to the world of impressions, feelings and tensions in

such groups by assessing whether differing perspectives are acknowledged, and how this happens.

Exploring this realm is critical for acknowledging potential inputs and can bring a wider scope for

inclusion and opening ‘the doors of perception’ based on fair equity and contribution opportunity.

3D: Dominance, Division, and Disagreement

Differences of beliefs among individuals and status based on income, race, social position,

gender, or sexual orientation, can contribute to tension and further disagreement in public dialogue

and participatory engagement. Status indicators that precede division such as power and authority

among other attributes that can produce inequalities, whether perceived or real, keeps individuals

from connecting in a way that allows for greater levels of communication. Research studying hot

topics, push button issues and differences in position in deliberative dialogue raises the question

of why and how tension and disagreement happen among individuals, and explores major causes.

In her exploration of the relational dynamics of power and politeness, Locher (2004)

offered insight and tools for analysis of power in the context of relational work found in settings

such as deliberative dialogue groups. Locher’s research explained that politeness is a normative

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