Civil Society
Definition
Civil society refers to the space outside of the government and business sectors where individuals come together voluntarily to pursue common interests, advocate for their rights, and engage in social activities.
Analogy
Think of civil society as a vibrant marketplace where different ideas, opinions, and organizations coexist peacefully. It's like going to a farmer's market with various stalls offering different products and services.
Related terms
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Private organizations that operate independently from governments but work towards specific social causes or provide services.
Social Movements: Collective actions by groups of individuals who come together around shared goals or concerns to bring about social change.
Interest Groups: Organizations formed by individuals who share common interests and seek to influence public policy decisions affecting those interests.
"Civil Society" appears in:
Study guides (5)
AP Comparative Government - 2.7 Independent Legislatures
AP Comparative Government - 3.1 Civil Society
AP Comparative Government - 3.5 Nature and Role of Political Participation
AP Comparative Government - 3.6 Forces that Impact Political Participation
AP Comparative Government - 3.9 Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (11)
- What is civil society?
- What type of regime tends to allow a more robust civil society?
- Which country has a well-established civil society and is influenced by interest groups, religious organizations, and NGOs?
- Which country has an underdeveloped civil society, but has seen an emerging civil society since the end of its colonial status?
- Which country currently has a highly limited civil society, with restrictions on public gatherings, free speech, and arrests of those who speak against the government?
- What type of organization is NOT typically considered part of civil society?
- What is one reason why political scientists are interested in civil society?
- Which is an example of civil society in the United States?
- What is the relationship between civil society and the media?
- What is one limitation imposed on civil society in Russia?
- What is civil society?
Resources
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