Abstract
<p>This paper examines how Benjamin Barber and Iris Marion Young seek to create justice through democratic reform. Both theorists reject the adequacy of liberal democratic institutions and advocate for deeper, more inclusive forms of public deliberation. Young proposes a transformative approach centered on remedying internal and external exclusions through institutional reform, group representation, and expanded modes of communication—greeting, rhetoric, and narrative—that foster dialogical understanding. Barber advances a more radical vision, calling for the replacement of existing “thin democratic” institutions with new participatory structures, including neighborhood assemblies, election by lot, national referenda, and universal citizen service. The paper identifies significant convergences between the two theorists, particularly their shared emphasis on diverse communicative practices, civic education, and the pursuit of a common will over parochial interests. It also highlights key divergences: Young favors reforming existing institutions to be more representative, while Barber argues such institutions are fundamentally flawed and must be replaced entirely. The paper concludes that Young’s incremental, reformoriented approach offers a more pragmatic and implementable pathway to democratic justice.</p>