Presentation
This report presents new qualitative research we (IDDRI and Hot or Cool) have conducted to better understand how the concept of the social contract resonates with citizens. Is the contractual logic familiar? How are the four pacts perceived? What matters most? And what types of narratives have the interviewees assimilated throughout their lives? The aim, then, was to use the material obtained to test and improve our framework (see the report Towards a 21st century social contract: how did we get here?), and to look ahead to the next stage of our exploration–namely the deliberation and negotiation of a new social contract.
Lessons from the survey
1) It is possible to talk explicitly about the social contract in deliberative discussions with citizens.
2) Participants are more easily able to reflect on their understanding of the social contract when asked to draw on lived experience.
3) Participants need to be encouraged to look beyond the negative aspects of the social contract and to talk about the positive aspects as well.
4) Group discussion brings out the collective dimensions of our expectations and practices.
5) Some pacts (Consumption, Democracy) need to be explored in greater depth than others.
6) To make visible the economic realities that underpin the social contract, specific tools and resources are needed.