The Rationale for Defending Democracy Socially: From Hermann Heller to the Present

Abstract

This chapter analyses the principal normative arguments for defending democracy socially. The thrust of these arguments stem from the ideas of the Weimar-era jurist Hermann Heller, who argued that fascism arises from severe social, economic, and intellectual inequalities and that the integration of all social classes is therefore crucial. Heller’s ideas are reflected in contemporary discussions on the role of social voice representation, liberal nationalism, neo-statism, and social security in counteracting autocratic pressures. Similarly, contemporary radical and critical scholars posit that anti-systemic sentiments are a consequence of the hegemony and injustices of capitalism, and propose mobilising the masses through novel political narratives. Despite their divergences, these traditions concur that democratic breakdown is precipitated by social tensions and is reversible when these are addressed. Social defenders of democracy conceptualise democracy as a form of government that is not solely based on formal procedures, but also on the socio-economic conditions experienced by citizens.