The Game of Influence: Policy Professional Capital in Civil Society

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article investigates the field of policy professionals in civil society. The main objective is to gain knowledge on this subgroup of policy professionals, who are exerting vast influence over civil society organizations’ policy development. Using field theory when analysing interviews and ethnographic data, the study contributes to our understanding of these civil society policy professionals, adding to the literature on professionalization in civil society by conceptualizing the capital that they construct and bring to the organizations in which they work. The findings provide insights on three main themes: First, organizational capital, based on being active in associations, stands out as specifically important for these professionals. Second, policy political capital – knowledge, skills and contacts derived from the political structure – is important within the field. Third, drawing on Bourdieu’s conceptual apparatus, the analysis shows that the specific illusio for the policy professional field is influence. It implies the importance of successfully upholding the image of policy influence and is the return that the players in the field are competing for.