Theory of Democracy

Definition: "Democracy, or 'rule by the people,' is an egalitarian form of government in which all citizens of a nation determine public policy, the laws, and the actions of their state together, requiring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to express their opinion." Source: Boundless. "Theories of Democracy." Boundless Sociology. Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/boundless-sociology-textbook/government-15/democracy-115/theories-of-democracy-642-10474/ 

Application: Democratic theory is imperative to community development work - most often, underserved and oppressed communities that developers primarily work in have been robbed of their right to fully participate in the American democratic system on a number of levels. This has two implications for community developers: 1) to ensure that they do replicate systemic oppressions in their work with communities and to approach community work from democratic philosophy that allows all community members to fully engage in the community development work, and 2) to use community development as a tool to push for making democratic theory a reality in the United States. 

Adaptation: I think it would be interesting to apply the theory of democracy to the medical field. Because doctors are portrayed as all-knowing experts, many patients hesitate to question their doctor's recommendations or diagnoses - some doctors, even, do not openly welcome patient input or opinions. If the medical field took a more democratic approach to their medical practice with patients, I think that patient-doctor relationships could improve and become more of a partnership, giving patients a stronger sense of control and empowerment over their health.