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Civil Society and Democracy are two inter-related concepts that share the underlying principle of ‘People’s Participation’ in running various affairs of the state. The inter-relation between Democracy and Civil Society can be discussed in terms of – Emergence or the historical context, Their Relation with state And How Civil Society today acts as a link between State and the people (thereby strengthening Democracy)
Democracy and Civil Society share their historical roots since the times of Ancient Greek Society. The State being Democratic used to be equated with Civil Society. Significant participation of the people was the cause behind such an equation. However, over the years the state drifted apart from true Democratic principles and in this process Civil Society turned out as a phenomenon parallel to yet separate from the state. The excessive bureaucratisation, corruption, nepotism and in worst cases Fascism alienated the state from Democratic principles.
Such circumstances led to the emergence of civil society in modern era. This emergence on one hand re-established Democracy in hitherto Fascist Nations (as evident in Anti-Tyrant Movements in 1980s) and on the other hand it strengthened the Democracy in (so called) Democratic Nations. Besides this, the fact cannot be ignored that it was Global Trends towards Democracy in 1990s which led to more vibrant, active and vocal Civil Society in the contemporary era. Thus strengthening of one further strengthens the other.
In contemporary times Democracy has created a space for Civil Society to expand and Flourish. As a result Civil Society has now attained various forms such as ‘Associations’, ‘Trade Unions’, ‘NGOs’, ‘Cooperatives’ etc. In this capacity Civil Society is acting as a bridge between the Government (state) and the people, thereby pushing Democracy to the grass root levels of society.
Civil Society aids the process of ‘minimising government and maximising governance’- which adds strength to Democracy. Initiatives like ‘SEWA’ and ‘SPAN’ as well as legislations like ‘Delhi Lokpal’ stand as testimony to the significance of CS in upholding Democratic Principles (by involving people to participate).
Thus it is evident that Civil Society and Democracy affect each other. While their strength is desirable, their faults on the other hand are detrimental. In this context it is imperative to understand the threats that may be posed before Democracy on due to the limitations of the civil society.
The ‘vested interest of members’; ‘illegitimate funding’; ‘Microscopic Representation’; ‘Double Standards’; ‘Lack of internal democracy’; etc are some deficiencies which go against Democratic Principles so much so that they may turn into forces of coercion on the society, thereby failing the very purpose for which they emerged. On the other hand a weak Democracy in a country may congest the space for Civil Society. And as a result, the state will become more vulnerable to turn into an Authoritarian Regime.
Hence to keep alive the spirit of democracy an active civil society is desired (as well as required). However, it must also be ensured that Civil Society does not get tainted by its own internal limitations.
By: Chandan Sharma ProfileResourcesReport error
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