Civil Society
Civil society refers to voluntary organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests. Civil societies are usually strong in liberal democracies where individual freedoms are valued. Groups in civil society may be unpolitical, but they are important to the idea of freedom because they allow people to articulate and promote what is important to them. By their very nature, authoritarian states do not encourage civil society, and the state often feels its power is threatened by it, though some organizations, such as the Russian Orthodox Church do survive. In less developed or newly industrializing countries, individuals tend to be divided by ethnic, religious, economic, or social boundaries and do not identify with groups beyond their immediate surroundings. However, the idea of a global civil society is emerging in the 21st century with the rise of human rights and environmental groups that take shape in the form of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These groups are national and international organizations and are independent of any state.
Conditions that make a Civil Society Thrive:
- Liberal
- Democratic Process
- Free/Fair Elections
- Civil Rights/Liberties
- Freedom of Speech, Liberty, Press
- Rule of Law
Review Activity:
Divisions in society are called
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social cleavages
In ______________ ___________, types of subject activities involve obeying laws, following military orders, and paying taxes
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authoritarian regimes
A _____________ government operates with openness.
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transparent
Groups in ________ ___________ may be unpolitical, but they allow people to articulate and promote what is important to them.
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civil society