Rethinking citizen participation in scientific and technical issues

The growing complexity of technoscientific issues has posed a challenge to decision-making in our democracies. Over the last two decades, we have thus witnessed rise participatory processes that promise democratize these by including citizens decision-making. This paper aims study discourses and practices organizers Spain analyze proposals' limits. In order accomplish this objective, conducted eight case studies interviewing individuals responsible for examining publicly available materials related them. analysis collected data reveals that, although participation laypeople is considered positive contribution, very configuration participation—based on problematic division between experts non-experts—ends up limiting ambition democratizing Based findings drawing lessons from field activism, proposes 'participation wild', which would allow rethinking disposition stages rhythms processes, thereby blur asymmetries constitute devices. work, therefore, contribute assembly elements political theory science technology studies, as well bridging gap fields can make important contributions achieve more democratic ways conceiving concerning society.