Civil Society and Political Institutionalization

Abstract

As a result of the dramatic events of recent years, social scientists have devoted increasing attention to explaining what causes democratization as well as what makes democracies vibrant and successful over the long term. Yet, whereas a generation ago most scholars tackling these issues stressed economic, political, or institutional factors, today societal and cultural variables are in vogue. This article argues that examining societal and cultural variables in isolation from their broader context leaves fundamental questions unanswered and misinterprets some of the most important dynamics of political development. To know whether civil society activity will have positive or negative consequences for democratic development, we need to marry an analysis of societal and cultural factors to the study of political institutions.

Participatory Policy-Making, Participatory Civil Society: A Key for Dissolving Elite Rule in New Democracies in the Era of Globalization

“…People may divert their energies into secondary associations to satisfy their basic needs. As such, civil associations may turn into opposition forces against state (Berman, 1997;Hyden, 1997). Nevertheless, in democracies, strengthening civic organizations, which represent the demand side of the political equation, without providing commensurate assistance to the political organizations that must aggregate the interests of those very groups, ultimately damages the democratic equilibrium (Doherty, 2001, p. 25).…”

“…The importance of the institutionalization of participatory civil society lies in the fact that social networks transmit innovative information and values, as well as assist social learning within transitional polities (Berman, 1997). A strong civic community arises from firm civic engagement, widespread political equality, appreciated solidarity, trust, tolerance, well-placed social structures, and co-operation.…”

Pacific Regional Order

“…Huntington predicted in 1968 that 'if the social conflicts and problems facing a society grow but their political institutions prove unable to adapt, the result may be political instability and even degeneration' (Huntington 1968;Berman 1997). One of the key problems in the Pacific, especially in Forum island countries, is that national political institutions are often seen as weak and unresponsive (Berman 1997). This may be due to a lack of national cohesion (Henningham 1995), the effects of economic globalisation, 1 or the inherent limitations of size.…”

“…Strong democratic political institutions are important for a viable civil society-they channel conflict, and provide a forum for the oppressed and their representatives from non-government organisations (Berman 1997). In 2004, Forum Leaders noted the need to 'strengthen Forum engagement with civil society…One option could be for civil society to organise a forum just prior to the Leaders' meeting' (Pacific Islands Forum 2004a: para 12).…”

The Social Bond and Place: A Study of How the Bureau of Land Management Contributes to Civil Society

“…Berman (1997) suggests that while the cultural and societal elements of civil society are important to principles of liberal democracy, the study of these elements in isolation from a society's political institutions leaves substantial gaps in our understanding of contemporary political dynamics. Encarnacion, in his examination of civil society internationally, takes an even more critical stance, stating, "The notion that civil society can serve as the engine for the democratic transformation of formerly authoritarian and totalitarian societies, however appealing, is deeply flawed" (Encarnacion, 2000).…”