Section outline

  • This unit introduces Arnstein's Ladder of Participation as a framework for understanding different degrees of citizen power in participatory processes. By the end of this unit, you will be able to distinguish manipulation, tokenism, and citizen control, and recognize and analyze quasi-participation and power dynamics in selected cases from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The unit includes a mini-lecture, a concept spotlight, a case study analysis, an interactive placement task, and a reflection prompt and should take approximately 40 minutes to complete.

    • Arnstein's Ladder explained File

      An introduction to Arnstein's Ladder of Participation - a framework for understanding the different degrees of citizen power in participatory processes, from manipulation to full citizen control. 

    • Concept spotlight: Manipulation, tokenism, citizen control Page

      Click on the link above to take a closer look at three commonly confused terms on Arnstein's Ladder—manipulation, tokenism, and citizen control—with practical warning signs to recognize each in real-world participatory processes, including examples from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    • Case study analysis: BiH participation example Page

      Read the process and data from a real 2025 participatory studio in Čengić Vila, Sarajevo — then decide where it sits on Arnstein's Ladder before the answer is revealed in the quiz below.

    • Reflection prompt: Where have I seen this? Page

      A short personal reflection connecting Arnstein's Ladder to your own experience — before moving on to Unit 3.

    • Extra materials Page
    • Quiz H5P

      Please read the text attached to this quiz. Then answer the quiz questions.