THE CHANGING IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY: MODELS FROM THE POLISH DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION

In: Journal of political ideologies, Band 3, Heft 2, S. 125-145

Abstract

IN THE 1970'S AND 1980'S, POLISH THEORISTS DEVELOPED A MODEL OF CIVIL SOCIETY THAT COMBINED A RADICAL SELF-MANAGEMENT AGENDA WITH A LIBERAL EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE "SELF-LIMITING REVOLUTION" AND THE SEPARATION OF SPHERES. IT IS ARGUED THAT THE POLES NEVER FULLY RECONCILED THE RADICAL AND LIBERAL ELEMENTS CONTAINED WITHIN THEIR MODEL. YET DESPITE ITS INCONSISTENCIES, IT IS ALSO HELD THAT THE POLISH MODEL OF CIVIL SOCIETY WAS UNIQUE--PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF THE REDISCOVERY OF THE TOTALITARIAN PARADIGM. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE POLISH IDEA OF CIVIL SOCIETY HAD AN IMPACT ON THE WIDER NEW LEFT DEBATE ON DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIZATION.