Constructing Social Reality by Michael Karlberg

Because those who serve on elected assemblies have no interest in being re-elected, and employ a system of decision making that is shielded from self-interested lobbies and influences, concentrations of power and wealth play no role in decision making processes. Once elected, assemblies at all levels employ a system of consultative decision-making that is principled and non-partisan, and is informed by the outside expertise and perspective of diverse segments of the community. In large local communities, and at national and international levels, delegate systems are employed, similar to Ranalli’s description of tiered democracy. Those who receive a plurality of unsolicited votes are thus elected, which entails giving up their prior aspirations at the community's bidding in order to serve. Attention is also paid to the diversity of those voted for, to enrich the insight and perspective available to elected bodies. Within this system, every adult votes and has complete freedom of choice in voting for those they believe embody the requisite qualities and capacities of self-less, intelligent, and principled service to the common good. In addition, it is based on reconceptualization of the nature and function of power in human affairs.

In short, there is no competition of any kind. One of the distinguishing features of the system is that there are no nominations, campaigns, or parties. The worldwide Bahá’í community has constructed an integrated system for elected governing assemblies at the local, national, and international level. Though every aspect of Bahá’í governance is not transferable to the wider society, the Bahá’í system is one of many social innovations that we can examine for relevant insights. has been learning about aspects of global governance for over a century. His current research explores theories of social change and their translation into movement practice.'The worldwide Bahá’í community. His most recent book, Constructing Social Reality builds on that work by examining the relativism, cynicism, and materialism the culture of contest gives rise to and how this undermines struggles to construct more peaceful and just social forms. His first book, Beyond the Culture of Contest, examines the socially unjust and ecologically ruinous consequences of organizing dominant social institutions and practices in a competitive manner. He has published in such journals as Peace and Change, Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice, Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, and the International Journal of Peace Studies.

His scholarship examines prevailing conceptions of human nature, power, social organization, and social change – and their implications for the pursuit of peace and justice. Michael Karlberg is a professor and chair of Communication Studies at Western Washington University.

Constructing Social Reality by Michael Karlberg