The study is aimed at understanding whether deliberative arenas are public spaces open to diversity and respectful of differences, or they are rather likely to reproduce discrimination and exclusion of minorities, as claimed by feminist theorists (Young, 1996; Benhabib, 1996). Through the analysis of twelve interviews to citizens (half female, half male) involved in three deliberative experiences, the author conclude that there are qualitatively different patterns of participation for men and women, and that deliberative arenas, though favourable to the involvement of women, run the risk of discriminating minorities. In view of further research, the author highlights that discrimination in public deliberation could be better investigated through the analysis of discursive interaction.
Keywords: Gender, participation, deliberation, public sphere, diversity, discrimination