Theory Of Civil Society Research Articles

Civil Society and the Struggle Against Media Freedom Violations in Ghana

ABSTRACT Per the recent rankings of Reporters Without Borders, media freedom in Ghana has been declining as a result of consistent and systematic harassment, physical abuses and even murder of journalists. For years, the literature has been aloof on the question of whether the civil society has been playing its constitutionally assigned duties of protecting the fourth estate. Using data from key informant interviews and within the lens of the libertarian theory of civil society, this study concludes that years of advocacy, activism and legal support for media personnel have cemented the role of civil society in Ghana not just as a protector of media freedom but also as an important vanguard against harassment, unfair prosecution and detention, physical assaults and even murder of journalists. Despite all the efforts from civil society organizations, violations of media freedom still occur frequently while civil society itself faces obstacles ranging from financial problems to media partisanship. This calls for financial and moral support from citizens and other independent organizations and more escalatory actions from the media and civil society such as the recent media blackout of politicians and public officials deemed as perpetrators.

Uczestnictwo obywatelskie na Węgrzech, cz. 1

The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of civil society in Hungary and thus to offer an insight into the theory of civil society and civic engagement. Firstly, the process of political transition and the formation of civil society in Hungary is discussed. The next section gives an overview of the legal status of civil society institutions. Then an attempt is made to present complicated relationships between politics and civil society in Hungary. The article addresses the methodology of the empirical research conducted by the author. Given the collected research material and the conducted empirical research, the paper was divided into two parts.

Discursive and institutional standards of justice in the modern world-system

In the article the essence of standards of justice in the modern world-system is outlined in a general way. It is shown that these standards emerged in the European capitalist world-economy in consequence of the French Revolution. Standards of justice are interpreted as ideological semantic constructions that have been institutionalized simultaneously with establishment, first, of the ideology of liberalism as the geoculture of the modern world-system and, second, — of model of liberal state. Standards of justice are considered within theoretical theses and methodological guiding lines of I. Wallerstein's theory of the modern world-system. However, some theoretical theses of J. Alexander's civil society theory are also used to supplement and concretize considered in the article problems with some new arguments. For instance, Alexander's conceptual toolkit helped to distinguish discursive and institutional standards of justice. Reasons and peculiarities of establishment of standards of justice are considered and role these standards played in the providing of development of the modern world-system is shown. In particular, it is elucidated that owing to these standards elites of the core countries of the modern world-system managed to redirect the rebellion energy of the lower strata from antisystemic revolutions to struggle for inclusion to liberal state. This helped to calm the lower strata down and to guard structures of the modern world-system against essential damages. Standards of justice contributed to legitimation of social order of the modern world-system. Full integration of the lower strata to newly created national societies reinforced social solidarity, and this strengthened the core states even more. It is shown that for today in particular countries of periphery and semi-periphery trends of revision of current standards of justice and their replacement by alternative semantic constructions become visible.

Civil society elites: managers of civic capital

The article takes the first steps towards a general theory of civil society elites, a concept not fully developed in either elite or civil society research. This conceptual gap hampers academic and public understanding of the dynamics at the top of civil society. To address this, the authors rely on the theoretical framework of Pierre Bourdieu to build a theory of civil society elites as managers of civic capital. This role is illustrated through examples from the differently institutionalised UK and Nordic civil societies. The first part of the article introduces the notion of civic capital and its emergence during the 19th century. The second part focuses on elite positions in civil society fields, demonstrating how civil society elites, as managers of civic capital, navigate between their constituents and other elite groups. These elites wield the power to consecrate social relations while misrecognising their own symbolic and economic gains. Recent scandals in the climate movement and UK and Nordic civil societies shed light on the symbolic aspects of the positions of civil society elites. This comprehensive analysis contributes to elite and civil society research and enriches public discussions about the role of civil society leaders in society.

“The People” of the Tenth Amendment: A Constitutional Theory of Town and Civil Society

“The People” of the Tenth Amendment: A Constitutional Theory of Town and Civil Society

Absolutism and Misguided Policies: Muhammadiyah and NU's Criticism against Government's Handling of COVID-19A

This study examines the role of Islamic Civil Society Organizations (ICSOs), specifically Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), in addressing COVID-19 in Indonesia. In contrast to previous works, it focuses on their constructive criticism against the Indonesian government, which has undergone political absolutism leading to misguided policies in addressing COVID-19 Pandemics. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Civil Society Organizations, this study shows that the two ICSOs constructively criticized the state for its inadequate, inconsistent, and contradictory policies on handling Covid 19 pandemics caused by political absolutism in the parliament. The results enriched the debate on Islamic Civil Society theories, shedding light on their voluntary and inclusive nature and their intricate relationship with government.

The School and the State: A problematic relationship in Michael Oakeshott’s philosophy of education

This essay considers a problem with Oakeshott’s theory of civil society, namely, its impotence to support the robust form of education necessary to sustain civil association, which is one of the underlying postulates of his theory of political life. This reflects the significant disconnect between Oakeshott’s political philosophy in On Human Conduct and his philosophy of education. Central to this philosophy is the cultivation of individuality. This character trait is required to enjoy a fulfilling life and to participate in civil association. The primary thesis of this essay is that the state must provide the resources to allow the poor the opportunity to acquire and exercise their individuality. The secondary thesis is that the extent to which such intervention is realistic or appropriate should not be exaggerated.

The Historical Evolution and Enlightenment of Marx's View of Civil Society

In-depth study of young Marx's civil society theory has important academic and practical significance. In terms of academic theory, "civil society" is a red line that runs through the gradual formation of Marx's materialist view of history. Clarifying the development vein of young Marx's view of civil society and clarifying the connotation and characteristics of civil society is helpful to understand the focus of young Marx's philosophical research, so as to grasp the evolution of his ideological history more carefully. In reality, it is of great significance to construct the road of socialist modernization governance with Chinese characteristics to absorb and draw on the theoretical essence which accords with China's national conditions.

Analisis New Social Movement Terhadap Gerakan Sambatan Jogja (SONJO) Dalam Mengurangi Risiko dan Laju Paparan Kasus Covid-19 di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

This study aims to identify sonjo movements in taking a role to help reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19 in communities within the scope of Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach and research also uses Civil Society theory and New Social Movement theory. The results of this study can be known sonjo made efforts in reducing the risk and countermeasures of Covid-19 by carrying out a program, namely Jimpitan Vaccination and encouraging the creation of village shelters driven by each area spread in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province by relying on the concept of mutual cooperation as a whole. However, in its implementation it looks not fully evenly distributed in this DIY Province area, there is still more movement in the Bantul Regency area. Even so, it is necessary for more vigorous efforts with more intensive socialization and assistance to each region so that the acceleration of the Covid-19 Pandemic response can be even better. The conclusion of this study is that the efforts made by SONJO are in accordance with the will of the situation in the field, but it still needs to be pursued more widely which covers the DIY region completely.

Pemerintah, Civil Society, dan Akomodasi Media dalam Polemik Pemindahan dan Pembentukan Ibu Kota Negara Baru

This article aims to examine the strategy of the Joko Widodo’s Government in the policy of moving and establishing a new National Capital (IKN), the responses shown by civil society, and the role of the media in bridging the government's political communications. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive data analysis, the article outlines how the three subjects, the government, civil society groups and the media, carry-out their roles regarding the IKN. Utilizing Media and Civil Society Theory, the research analysis is focused on IKN news content in selected mass media. In addition, the research analyzes this topic from the perspective of scientific integration of da'wa communication. Research results show that the Jokowi’s government has built political communication by expanding coalitions in parliament as well as using internal media as an effective strategy in gaining support for the policy of moving and opening IKN. The article also notesthat the voice of the Civil Society group, which considered that the transfer of the IKN did not have social and political urgency, was not adequately accommodated. Finally, the research finds the vulnerability of media independence referring to accommodative tendencies of the media in reporting information on the birth of transfer policies and the establishment of the new capital.

Schumpeter's theory of economic development and modern civil society: points of interaction

Schumpeter's theory of economic development and modern civil society: points of interaction

ПРОБЛЕМА КОНСЕНСУСА ГОСУДАРСТВА И ГРАЖДАНСКОГО ОБЩЕСТВА В РОССИИ: СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОТИВОРЕЧИЯ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ

Objective of the study is to consider social contradictions and prospects in the development of civil society in Russia. The methodological basis of the research consists of civilizational and neoinstitutional approaches, as well as the provisions of the theory of civil society. Research results. This article analyzes social contradictions and prospects for the development of civil society in Russia. For the successful innovative development of the country, both attempts to preserve the paternalistic model of state-society relations and to plant a Western liberal model that is historically alien to Russia are equally unsuitable. The path of Russia is the path of an uneasy dialogue between the government and society in order to achieve their long–term consensus. Prospects of the study. The problem of relations between the state and civil society is of scientific and practical interest in connection with the need to develop civil institutions in Russia.

From Author to Network: The Coming of Age of Civil Sphere Theory

This article argues that Jeffrey Alexander’s The Civil Sphere constitutes the first sociological theory of civil society, a theory with its own developmental history. That history includes the trajectory of Alexander’s career prior to his simultaneous turn to cultural sociology and civil society. The former led him to develop what he calls a ‘strong program,’ while the use of the term ‘civil sphere’ serves to distinguish his approach to civil society from other articulations, past and present. This includes viewing the theory as offering a more realistic understanding of the prospects for and impediments to liberal democracy. Conceived at the outset as an ongoing project, rather than the last word on the topic, we review how that project has shifted from the work of one prominent theorist to a global network of scholars.

Історія та сучасні тенденції вивчення філософії А. Ґрамші в Китаї

This paper examines the perception of the political philosophy of the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci by Chinese scholars. It is shown that during the 1950s–1990s the conception of Antonio Gramsci’s philosophy was formed in China in the context of the study of Western Marxism. It is pointed out that in the second half of the 1980s and in the 1990s, Chinese philosophers began to conduct deeper research of Western Marxism in general and Gramsci’s theoretical heritage in particular, and the formation of Gramscian studies was started in China. The Italian Marxist’s practical philosophy became the focus of attention, and his concepts of civil society, cultural hegemony, and other ideas started to be the subject of discussion in philosophy, political science, literary studies, party-building, etc. It is shown that the first serious contribution to the critical study of the Italian philosopher’s heritage was made by Xu Chongwen, and due to the works of Yu Wujin such Gramscian terms as “cultural hegemony”, “civil society” and “organic intellectual” were widely spread among the Chinese Marxist philosophers. In the early twenty-first century, there were determined the significant changes in the study of Gramsci’s philosophy in China, which were primarily due to the appearance of new translations into Chinese of the works of the Italian philosopher. At the same time, the main directions of Gramscian studies in China were formed: the problem of Gramsci’s ideological affiliation (Pan Xihua, Bao Yi, He Ping, Wang Fengcai), the theory of hegemony (Tian Shigang, Zhan Jiang, Peng Guibing, Sun Jing, Liang Shufa, Zhou Fan, Hu Ailing, Yang Haifeng, Kang Xiaoguang, Liu Shilin, Wang Jin, He Lei, Zhou Xingjie, Pan Xihua, Sun Min, Ye Huizhen), the civil society theory (Li Dianlai, Yang Ping, Yang Renzhong, Shan Tiping), the intellectual theory (Yang Haifeng, Guo Meini, Hu Ailing, Pan Xihua, Yu Yifan). It is emphasized that Gramsci’s hegemonic theory in combination with the ideas of structuralism, poststructuralism, orientalism, feminism, and other schools of thought have influenced the formation of literary theory in China. There were explored diverse research works in various scientific disciplines representing contemporary Gramscian studies in China.

Evolving approaches to civil society participation in governance processes

Political theories of civil society often apply the concept of civil society, which is considered holistic, containing norms and quasi-legal mechanisms that distinguish it from the state, economy and family, and regulating social relations. These theories often defi ne civil society as a social sphere opposed to the state. Civil society and the notion of civil society are currently being transformed by factors such as new governance, including neoliberal reforms and network development,and democratic transitions. Civil society is also linked to other concepts, including participation, development, the third sector and inclusion. Thus, the essence of civil society is linked to the context in which it is situated and implemented. This article aims to analyse the evolution of the understanding of civil society and its participation in the governance of social processes in the context of new approaches to governance practices articulated by theories of rational choice, neo-institutionalism, neoliberalism and the concept of the Third Way. The understanding of civil society is a historically determined phenomenon and depends on the specifi c context of social relations. In the 1990s there was a rethinking of the liberal concept of civil society, in which it was opposed to an oppressive state. At the same time, the ineffi ciency of state management and the failures of the common welfare state forced the search for new models of organisation of management processes, primarily by involving civil society organisations in the decision-making process and in performing some functions which previously belonged exclusively to the state. The theories of rational choice, neo-institutionalism and neo-liberalism provided the theoretical basis for changes in governance practices, which, however, failed to fully address two major problems: the lack of accountability mechanisms for CSOs and their representativeness – to what extent they are independent and how fully they represent the interests of the whole society. Key words: civil society, governance, neoinstitutionalism, neoliberalism, rational choice theories, participation, networks, the Third Way.

The politics of civil society narratives in contestation between liberalism and nationalism in authoritarian Vietnam

ABSTRACT The liberal-dominated civil society theory tends to obscure the dynamics and intricacy of state-society relations in authoritarian contexts. Existing accounts on Vietnam have not cast adequate light onto the struggles of ideology and positions between the state and civil society. Drawing on the most recent data from social media in Vietnam, the article contributes a new analytical approach to understanding state-society relations by offering granular insights into the contrasting but mutually reinforcing narratives adopted by the state and civil society actors. In particular, the article steers attention towards the opportunities that crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have provided for ideological struggles and legitimacy building between these actors. The paper argues that rather than continuously pushing forward the rhetoric ‘civic space is shrinking’, these alternatives must be steeped within wider historical understanding, attuned to particularities of the social-political context, and ultimately reflective of the evolving intricate state-society relations.

The Relationship between Civil Society Organization and Political Party in Legislative Election: The Case of of Fatayat and PKB in Indonesia

This article aims to analyze the political strategies of Fatayat as a civil society organization to win women candidates in the 2019 legislative elections. To do so, it uses two concepts of Gwendolyn Bevis’s theory of civil society and political parties which emphasizes constructive relationships between civil society organizations and political parties, and Peter Schroder’s theory on political strategies and tactics to win female candidates of legislative elections. This article uses a qualitative method and collects the data through interview techniques. The result of this study indicates that the relationship between Fatayat and PKB (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa) runs constructively for both have a shared history. This constructive relationship can also be applied to explain the political dynamic within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). This article concludes that the Fatayat’s strategy to win women candidates in the legislative elections was supported by a constructive relationship between Fatayat and PKB. This finding contributes to the study of the relationship between civil society organizations and political parties.

Capturing the Civic Lives of Cities: An Organizational, Place-Based Perspective on Civil Society in Global Cities

Introduction to Global Perspectives special collection: The Civic Life of Cities around the World In a wired world, how do social interactions among organizations and people continue to define civil society? Our co-produced approach to studying civil societies through a place-based, organizational lens provides fresh answers to perennial questions about voice, accountability, and embeddedness. The six articles in this collection on the civic life of cities draw on more than 1,400 interviews with organizational leaders in San Francisco, Seattle, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sydney, and Vienna. Moving beyond the “big theories” of civil society, the articles illustrate the value of our dual emphasis on place and organizations by showing how comparisons of the people, practices, and partnerships of civil society organizations enable new middle-range theories of civil society. This approach promises to offer rich comparative insights into similarities and differences among organizations around the globe.

Discussion on the Relationship Between Civil Society and State and Its Practical Significance

The modern civil society theory was established by Hegel, and Marx perfected it. It is precisely from the question of the relationship between the state and civil society that Marx created a new philosophy of social history. On the basis of combing Marx's civil society theory, this article defines the modern civil society and the state. By comparing Hegel's and Marx's different expositions on the development trend of the relationship between civil society and the state, combined with realistic analysis, further expounds the tendency of the disintegration of the dual structure of civil society and the state. Learn from the experience and lessons of the construction of western civil society, so as to provide valuable practical significance for the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Civil Society and Rule of Law Backsliding in the EU

In the realm of the rule of law crisis taking place in several Member States of the European Union (EU), illiberal governments attempt to dilute institutional and non-institutional checks and balances with the aim to unrestrainedly exercise the state power. In this context, civil society, a sphere autonomous from the state where public interests are being expressed and formulated, is constantly undermined. This article tries to illustrate the relation between civil society and the rule of law and its backsliding. In this regard, a theoretical framework indicating the connections of the dominant civil society theories with core rule of law elements will be developed and the points of friction with rule of law backsliding will be indicated. This theoretical framework will, then, be tested in EU institutional practice through the examples of the EU Annual Rule of Law Report and the case Commission v. Hungary (Transparency of Associations, C-78/18). civil society, rule of law backsliding, fundamental rights, participation in decisionmaking, Annual Rule of Law Report