Participatory processes, digital communities and inclusion: hypotheses about Brasil Participativo

Abstract

Digital technologies now play a key role in discussions about democracy, collective action and political inclusion. Their incorporation into participatory processes has transformed engagement practices and challenged traditional models of interaction between the state and society. In this context, decisions regarding institutional and technological design become crucial in determining who participates, how they participate, and the resulting political effects, particularly in societies characterised by social and digital inequalities.

From this perspective, the article examines how digital participatory processes can foster digital communities, strengthen organisational capacities, and include historically marginalised groups. The empirical case analysed is Brasil Participativo, a Brazilian federal government platform and one of the largest digital participation initiatives to date.

Using a qualitative approach, the study reveals that in observed cases, although participation is formally structured as individual action, the actual dynamics of engagement are predominantly collective. In terms of inclusion, the analysis identifies direct action by historically excluded collectives, mediation by intermediary groups, and proposals with an inclusive programme orientation.

The article's main innovation lies in analysing Brasil Participativo as a catalyst for social commoning, and in highlighting its impact on political learning, organisational capacity building, and the formation of digital political communities, albeit temporarily.