Full Idea
Democracy has to be judged not just by the institutions that formally exist but by the extent to which different voices from diverse sections of the people can actually be heard.
Gist of Idea
Democracy needs more than some institutions; diverse sections of the people must be heard
Source
Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], Pref 'Public')
Book Reference
Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.-16
A Reaction
Depends what you mean by 'democracy'. Should the workplace and the school and the family be democratic, or just the choice of leaders? What can oblige leaders to listen to the people? Listen to, and then ignore?