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Why did John Dewey believe democracy supports individual growth?

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John Dewey, an older man with glasses and a mustache, sits and reads a document, wearing a suit and tie. — John Dewey John Dewey.

John Dewey argued that democracy is the most effective framework for individual growth because it provides the essential freedoms required for self-development. Unlike other systems, democracy functions as a "mode of associated life" that fosters an environment where individuals can exchange ideas, form associations to pursue common goals, and define their own conceptions of a meaningful life.1

Dewey believed that individual potential is best realized within a social democracy, where citizens engage in cooperative, rational inquiry to solve common problems. This process requires:21

Freedom of expression: The ability to exchange opinions and engage in dialogue with others.1
Collaborative inquiry: A commitment to experimental, critical thinking and mutual respect, which Dewey termed "social intelligence".21
Active participation: The opportunity to contribute to social planning and the evolution of institutions, which should remain subject to constant improvement.21

Because these habits of mind—such as critical inquiry and public-spiritedness—must be cultivated, Dewey emphasized the vital role of education in preparing citizens to participate in this democratic process.1