Lecture 10 Civil Society

Question 1

What is civil society?

Answer 1

Civil society is a set of organizations operating between the state, family, and economic production, where citizens organize in voluntary, autonomous organizations without necessarily having a political agenda.

Question 2

What are the sub-sets of civil society organizations with a political agenda?

Answer 2

Interest groups, social movements, and political parties.

Question 3

How do interest groups, social movements, and political parties differ?

Answer 3

• Interest groups represent specific interests on specific topics and seek to influence but not form government.
• Social movements aim to bring about social and/or political change with a broader agenda than interest groups.
• Political parties have a broad agenda covering many issues, connecting to many civil society organizations, and seek to form part of government.

Question 4

How do civil society organizations (CSOs) affect democratisation?

Answer 4

1. CSOs as schools of democracy promote democratic values and skills, enhancing social capital.
2. CSOs as bridging organizations connect citizens from different backgrounds, increasing tolerance and decreasing polarization.
3. CSOs as effective interest representation connect citizens and government by representing and defending citizens’ interests.
4. CSOs as watchdogs monitor the government and hold it accountable for its actions.

Question 5

How can CSOs undermine democracy?

Answer 5

By acting as schools of autocracy, polarizing/dividing organizations, selective interest representation, and enablers of autocratic action.

Question 6

What is civic space?

Answer 6

Civic space is the political, legislative, social, and economic environment enabling citizens to come together, share interests, and influence their societies, determined by freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.

Question 7

How can civic space be restricted?

Answer 7

• Actions affecting physical wellbeing (threats, attacks, lack of protection)
• Criminalization (terrorism watch lists, criminal investigations, and prosecution)
• Restrictive administrative measures (legislation on registration and operation, financial barriers)
• Negative discourse and labeling (smear campaigns, stereotyping)
• Cooptation and closing channels of dialogue and participation

Question 8

What does the claim of shrinking civic space imply?

Answer 8

It implies that civic space is shrinking for democratic civil society actors but may expand for those supporting autocratic regimes.

Question 9

How do civil society actors contest restrictions on civic space?

Answer 9

Through creative means like visual art, dance, performance, and humor.