Socio-structural Causes of Rise of Democracy : With Reference to 2006 Democratic Movement of Nepal

Abstract

Democracy neither rises nor falls spontaneously. The rise and fall of democracy does not solely depend on the desire of some actors, parties and leaders. The construction, destruction and reconstruction of social relation and social structure play a crucial role in the rise and fall of democracy. Democracy is born and matures in a specific socio-economic structure while it falls in others. Similarly, the nature of international relations also affects democracy. The bourgeoisie or the middle class is the main agent behind democratization process. In this paper I shall attempt a quick and preliminary discussion of the major socio-structural factors for the rise of democracy. In 2006, an important democratic movement took place in Nepal. This movement gave rise to democracy by abolishing both the autocratic monarchical regime and the Maoist insurgency which strongly believes in people’s republican regime. Strong bourgeoisie and town people who engaged in commerce and industry played the major role to the rise of democracy. The town dwellers engaged in private jobs and business played important role for the political change. Increasing urban population, loyalty and commitment of bourgeoisie middle class people of cities towards the democracy, new education system, expanding facade of capitalism are important factors for the rise of democracy in Nepal in 2006. Similarly, international factors like globalization made democracy inevitable. Around 40 years ago, more than 90 percent of Nepalese people were depended on agricultural sector; it has been decreased to about 65 percent in 2000s. In 1970, the contribution of agriculture in the Gross National Product of Nepal was 75 percent while it has been decreased to 33 percent in the same time. The decreasing importance of agriculture and involvement of people in the new economic activities has aided for the rise of democracy in 2006 in Nepal. [