Concept and Role of Civil Society in Democracy Essay Example

Concept and Role of Civil Society in Democracy Essay Example Concept and Role of Civil Society in Democracy Essay Concept and Role of Civil Society in Democracy Essay Concept and Role of Civil Society in Democracy The concept of civil society was introduced in Rome by Cicero. In the classical Greek time the state and civil society were al-most in equal status. Civil Societies meaning and role has been different in different historical phases of political discourse. In the period of mid eighteenth century as a consequence of renaissance, humanism and scientific revolution, legitimacy of absolutism was questioned. That started seeking about the sources of political and moral authority and the reason behind absolutism. So the churches who legitimated absolutism were against the will of people. The danger of anarchism caused human beings to be aware of the need for the mechanism to protect themselves. According to Hobbes rationality and self interest persuade human beings to combine in agreement to surrender sovereignty to a common power (which he called leviathan). The social contract theory of Hobbes stated two types of relationship. One was vertical, between the leviathan and the people, the latter submitted themselves to the former. The second system was the realm of horizontal relationship among the people. In that system people were compelled to limit their natural rights in a way that would not harm the right of others. The first is state and the second is civil society. In Hobbes paradigm, the formation of civil society lead to the formation of government, state and laws. The concept of state of nature and sovereignty of state lead to the realism which defined the nature of relationship between the state and the civil society. The modern meaning in sociological perspective of civil society is based on the works of David Held (1987-95). According to him, Civil Society retains a distinctive character to the extent that it is made- up of areas of social life. This social life includes the domestic world, the economic sphere, cultural activities and political interaction. These areas of social life are organized by the private and voluntary arrangements between individuals and groups. The sphere of these institutions and actor are outside the direct control of the state. Civil society, in the view of New left, can play key role in defending people against the state and market and in assisting the democracy and in asserting the democratic will to influence the state. The Neo- Liberals consider civil society as a site to struggle to subvert communist and authoritarian regimes. So civil society occupies an important place in the political discourses of both New- left and Neo – liberals. The London School of Economics/ centre for civil society, has defined as civil society refers to the area of voluntary association of actors around common interests, purposes and values. Its institutional forms are different from that of state. The civil societies are often populated by organizations, such as registered charities, developmental NGOs, community groups, womens organizations, faith based organizations, professional associations, trade union, self help group, social moments, business associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups. Thus, the civil society is composed of the totality of voluntary, civic,and social organizations, and institutions. These civil societies form the basis of a functioning society. It is an accepted value that the democratic society works to promote active citizenship and political participation. These values of civil society in a democray are more important than any other forms of societies. In the democratic set- up such as in the western world and in many developing countries. The civil societies have served as a means of social renewal by improving the participation and faith of people in the political process. So, the role of civil society to improve peoples participation in the democracy may be described as below. Civil society limits the power of state. Any democracy needs a well functioning and authoritative state at the same time theres need to check, monitor and control the abuse of powers and violations of laws. Civil societies have vital role in public education and information. Which in turn will increase political efficacy and skill of democratic citizen and promote an appreciation of obligation and rights of citizen Providing avenues and voice to the stake holders is also a role by allowing them to articulate, express, represent their concerns publicly. That will help to influence the governance level as well . Civil society can brings people of different interest together to a common platform for their common interest and purposes. That helps to build solidarity among different stakeholders. Civil societies campaign against sexism, racism, un-touchability , minorities issues creates awareness and harmony towards each-other and bring changes in peoples attitude . Which will help the citizen to enjoy the benefit of democracy easily . Voters education, election monitoring for fair election, public accountabilitys promotion, public access to information, transparency, human right defender are the areas in which civil society can play influential role so that citizen will be able to use the rights of democracy in full potential . Finally, civil societies can play their role by making state more accountable at all levels, responsive, inclusive, effective and legitimate. A successful civil society strengthens citizens respect for the state and promotes their engagement with state. Civil society , therefore, can provide alternative policy inputs, voice to the voice less, promote transparency, correct distribution system and can play a role of democracy defender .