What Exactly is "Civil Society"?

     "Civil Society" is a term which has yet to gain either academic or political consensus in regards to definition. Therefore, the definitions that different analysts and authors present can vary wildly, making the process of determining the parameters of a civil society difficult, at best. However, a few authors present clear definitions that allow for beneficial comparison. For example, al-Sayyid presents a summation of the concept by arguing that civil society "evokes an image of a political order respecting the civil and political rights of citizens, leaving free space for a wide variety of their activities, and responding to their deeply held wishes and aspirations for personal dignity and decent living."¹

     On the other hand, there is the argument that even this definition is both too specific and too general, because it only presents the mental image that is allegedly associated with the term, despite its specificity in focus on the political arena. In contrast, Garon argues that the development of civil society is actually a prerequisite for democracy itself, and that it involves society "escaping the control of the state apparatus so as to acquire the means for its autonomous public expression."² In combination of these two definitions, however, is Norton's summation of civil society as a social phenomenon which requires the state as a "referee" and lawgiver, and, in turn requires the state to respect the fundamental human rights and autonomy of individuals.³ This definition is preferable because it is specific while still allowing room for rare exceptions, although the terms of a civil society are clearly defined as being state respect for individual autonomy being compatible with individual respect for state authority.

References:

1. al-Sayyid, M. K. "The Concept of Civil Society and the Arab World." Published in "Political Liberalization & Democratization in the Arab World: volume 1, Theoretical Perspectives." by Rex Brynen, Bahgat Korany, and Paul Noble, eds. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers, Inc. 1995. 141.

2. Garon, L. "The Press and Democratic Transition in the Arab Societies: The Algerian Case." Published in "Political Liberalization & Democratization in the Arab World: volume 1, Theoretical Perspectives." by Rex Brynen, Bahgat Korany, and Paul Noble, eds. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers, Inc. 1995. 149.

3. Norton. A. R. "Civil Society in the Middle East, vol. 2." New York, NY: E.J. Brill. 1996. 5-6.  

This content was originally posted elsewhere on November 23, 2010. It was updated on May 20, 2011