What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the dual nature of civil society in political systems, questioning the assumption that vibrant associational life inherently fosters democratic consolidation.

July 1, 1996Journal of democracy

The Paradox of Civil Society

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Authors

MFMichael W. FoleyUniversity of Calgary BEBob EdwardsUniversity of America

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Implication

Theoretical analysis reveals contradictory effects of associational life on democratic governance, highlighting that civil society can both stabilize and undermine democratic regimes.

Key Points

Examine the dual nature of civil society in political systems, questioning the assumption that vibrant associational life inherently fosters democratic consolidation.
Comparative and conceptual analysis of competing political science models defining civil society as either a democratic check on state power or a sphere of social conflict.
Qualitative synthesis of historical and contemporary regime dynamics evaluating how social organizations interact with institutional governance.
Vibrant associational networks do not consistently generate democratic norms, occasionally reinforcing partisan polarization, ethnic divisions, or antidemocratic mobilization.
The capacity of civil society to bolster democracy is contingent on state institutional strength, legal frameworks, and political openness rather than associational density alone.

Cite This Study

Foley et al. (1996) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a09efd759b902245b4646b6 https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.1996.0048

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Implication

Theoretical analysis reveals contradictory effects of associational life on democratic governance, highlighting that civil society can both stabilize and undermine democratic regimes.

The Paradox of Civil Society

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The Paradox of Civil Society

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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