Bodies of Democracy - Modes of Embodied Politics

Political institutions are populated by living, breathing human beings, but participants are often depicted as disembodied minds. Amanda Machin considers six embodied modes of democratic politics: representation, deliberation, disagreement, protest, occupation, and counsel.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Political institutions are teeming with living, breathing human beings, who engage in a myriad of physical activities such as eating, sleeping, gesturing, desiring, and suffering. However, a common portrayal of individuals involved in the political realm is that they are portrayed as disembodied minds, detached and distinct from their physical existence. In her insightful work, Amanda Machin explores six embodied modes of democratic politics: representation, deliberation, disagreement, protest, occupation, and counsel. Drawing upon a diverse range of thinkers, including Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Michael Polanyi, Simone de Beauvoir, Donna Haraway, and Judith Butler, Machin provides a captivating illustration of how human bodies are not merely the disciplined objects of politics but also the generative subjects of democracy.

Representation involves the portrayal of individuals or groups in political institutions, often through visual or symbolic means. Deliberation entails the process of collective decision-making, where individuals come together to discuss and debate issues. Disagreement arises when there are differing opinions or perspectives on a particular issue. Protest is a form of collective action that aims to bring attention to social or political injustices. Occupation involves the physical takeover of public spaces or institutions to demand change or protest against oppressive policies. Counsel involves the provision of advice or guidance to political leaders or decision-makers.

Through her exploration of these embodied modes of democratic politics, Machin highlights the ways in which human bodies are not only the objects of political discipline but also the sources of democratic creativity and agency. She emphasizes that the experiences and perspectives of individuals with different bodies, genders, races, and sexual orientations are essential to the democratic process. Machin's work challenges the notion that politics is solely a cerebral or abstract realm and instead emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the embodied experiences and perspectives of all individuals involved in the political realm.

In conclusion, Amanda Machin's work offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of democratic politics and the role of human bodies in shaping political outcomes. By exploring six embodied modes of democratic politics, Machin demonstrates how human bodies are not only the disciplined objects of politics but also the generative subjects of democracy. Her work encourages us to recognize the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and the embodied experiences of all individuals in the political process and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837649239