Suchergebnisse

After describing the civil republican & pluralist/multiculturalist models of communitarianism, it is asserted that the latter paradigm must assist the former in resuscitating civil society. The principal obstacles to such an effort are identified as the fragmentation of civil society, the prevalence of inequality in communities, & civil society's dependence on volunteer labor. It is contended that individuals must become more involved in associational life to sustain political reform; moreover, political reform is necessary to combat various forms of inequality that plague civil society. Rather than strengthen associations, individuals must strive for a pluralist identity in which they participate in multiple associations. In addition, groups that perceive themselves as politically underrepresented must participate in democracy. Rather than providing volunteer workers with guaranteed salaries, an alternative that provides subsistence wages & benefits & allows individuals to maintain their volunteer status is advocated. It is concluded that neoliberalism must be eliminated for civil society to flourish. J. W. Parker

This title brings together competing theories of civil society with critical studies of the role of civil society in diverse situations and the way in which it has been promoted as the key to democratization. The combination of contemporary theory and practical applications provides valuable reading for students of civil society and contemporary social and political change, and its policy implications for Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.