Civil Society Elites: An Introduction (original) (raw)

Civil society and democracy : a reader

2003

PREFACE INTRODUCTION PART I CONCEPTUALIZING CIVIL SOCIETY: MODES OF CIVIL SOCIETY, THE IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY, RETHINKING THE PUBLIC SPHERE A CONTRIBUTION OF THE CRITIQUE OF ACTUALLY EXISTING DEMOCRACY, CIVIL SOCIETIES LIBERALISM AND THE MORAL USES OF PLURALISM, BOWLING IN THE BRONX THE UNCIVIL INTERSTICES BETWEEN CIVIL AND POLITICAL SOCIETY, BEYOND THE NATION? OR WITHIN?, CIVIL SOCIETY CULTURAL POSSIBILITY OF A MODERN IDEAL, CIVIL SOCIETY AND ITS INSTITUTIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY AND ITS AVATARS, CIVIL SOCIETY OR THE STATE WHAT HAPPENED TO CITIZENSHIP?, THE CIVIL AND THE POLITICAL IN CIVIL SOCIETY PART II CIVIL SOCIETY AND DEMOCRACY: EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATIONS: IN SEARCH OF CIVIL SOCIETY MARKET REFORM AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA, CIVIL SOCIETY AND OTHER POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, CIVIL SOCIETY, CONTESTATION AND CITIZEN ACTION IN INDIA, THE COFFEE HOUSE AND THE ASHRAM, GANDHI, CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE PUBLIC SPHERES, DEMOCRACY, SOCIAL CAPITAL AN D CI VIL SOCIETY IN I...

Critical Review: Civil Society and its Limits

CamEconomist, 2014

The concept of civil society has a long tradition and has been given many interpretations, from being identified with political community by Aristotle who defines ‘civil society’ as more or less formalized institutions which form an autonomous social sphere. Post and Rosenblum defines civil society as freedom zone for individuals to associate with others. According to Young’s article, ‘civil society’ promotes trust, choice, and the virtues of democracy. However, many claims that ‘civil society’ is a central role in promoting democracy and social welfare under liberal constitutionalist regimes. Therefore, the civil society’s concept and role remains questionable and debatable, particularly among political researchers and academic scholars.

Civil Society: A Paradigm or a New Slogan?

The Ecumenical Review, 1994

Civil society is a space characterized by diversities, tensions and contradictions. Theoretically and practically, it is approached differently in various political traditions and contextsby people in the street, among dynamic groups and movements and by policy-makers at the World Bank. Civil society is an appealing concept at this transitional historical moment. Daniel Bell has noted that the "demand for a return to civil society is a demand for a return to a manageable scale of social life, one which emphasizes voluntary associations, churches and communities, arguing that decisions should be made locally and should not be controlled by the state and its bureaucracy". In exploring the ecumenical relevance of this concept against the backdrop of the institutional crises affecting state and society today, we should take care to affirm the diverse opinions of marginalized and excluded people.