Exploring the effects of the first-hand experience of deliberative practice: the case of the Shin-Gori Nuclear Reactor Nos. 5 and 6 in South Korea

ABSTRACT Despite increasing research on deliberative practices, most studies have focused almost exclusively on Western cases, overlooking practices taking place in other parts of the world. Therefore, this study examines a recent South Korean case of deliberative practice in an Asian cultural context that focused on the decision to reconstruct the Shin-Gori Nuclear Reactors. In particular, this study sought to understand the effects on participants of their first-hand experience in this deliberative practice. Overall, this study showed that both the individual’s open-mindedness as well as perceived fairness of the deliberative practice were critical in encouraging people to actively participate in the discussions. Consequently, participants who were active in discussions were more acceptable of the final decision and were encouraged to join future deliberative practices. In the meantime, the null finding of the opinion change and, specifically, its insignificant relationship with knowledge challenged the emphasis of previous studies on the importance of knowledge and opinion. Together, this study implies the necessity to examine further the mechanisms and conditions needed for well-functioning deliberative forums in non-Western countries as well as their effects. Finally, the implications of the findings as well as suggestions for deliberative practice are discussed.