Alomar, M.A., Carlier, N., & Moyson, S. (2024). Social learning in the city hall: Obstacles and solutions to make the most of municipal councils in Brussels. Brussels Studies, Collection générale, n° 196. https://doi.org/10.4000/12fce
Abstract
What are the conditions of social learning within municipal councils? While public distrust towards representative democracy has fostered participatory approaches to politics and policies, we turn the spotlight back on deliberations between municipal councillors in Brussels. Social learning is part of the cognitive and social dynamics which facilitate the development of shared understandings, consensus and decisions. A multimethod design was implemented, involving interviews with general directors and council presidents, as well as focus groups with the leaders of political groups. First, we find that councillors are not equal vis-à-vis social learning in terms of their motivation, age, language skills and political and legal experience. Second, the conditions of cordiality and trust among councillors, which are decisive for social learning, are not always met. Third, a political game closer to rivalry and conflict rather than collaboration impedes information exchange among councillors. Their freedom to reflect on politics and policies is limited by group pressure. To conclude, we explore solutions to overcome these barriers to social learning in municipal councils.