Občanská Společnost (Civil Society) Lecture Notes

Flashcards based on lecture notes about Občanská Společnost (Civil Society), covering definitions, historical context, cultural factors and function.

According to Klaus, what does Občanská společnost (Civil Society) equal?

Citizens, individuals with rights, acting within the system through association and shared activities, separate from politics and based on ideology.

According to Havel, what role does Občanská společnost (Civil Society) play in politics?

It intervenes in events and has a function to control and direct politics, due to the perceived corruption of political parties.

What is the role of Občanská společnost (Civil Society) between individuals and the state?

It is a segment where the public aggregates its interests without seeking political power, connecting people based on shared interests.

Name three factors influencing the development of Občanská společnost (Civil Society).

Historical development, cultural-historical context, and ideological roots.

What are two contrasting ideological conceptions of people that influence Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Republican (small state) vs. Democratic (large state) conceptions.

What are the two types of societies in relation to the state?

Zestátněná (nationalized/state-controlled) and nezestátněná (non-nationalized/non-state-controlled).

What are some critical evaluations of individualism in the context of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

It leads to atomization of the population and allows for other forces to occupy political and social space.

According to Arendtová, what are key features of the 'Domov' (home) as a model for society?

Everyone has a role, and there is self-sufficiency with a division of labor.

What characterized family unit 'Oikos' in Greek society?

Initially self-sufficient, then interconnected and mutually supportive.

Who could participate and make decision-making in Greek society?

Free individuals, excluding slaves and women.

What radical shift defines social changes in modern society?

Revolution, urbanization, and reduced dependence on rulers.

What three factors define the new modern society?

Globalization, interconnection, and global problem-solving.

What are the key forms for securing political processes in the modern political era?

Parliamentarism and the rule of law.

According to John Locke, what is the key function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Protecting the rights of individuals against rulers and the state.

According to Montesquie, what is the key function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Overseeing power and potential corruption through a system of checks and balances.

According to Alexis de Tocqeville, what is the key function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Verifying and recruiting capable individuals, providing opportunities for advancement (positive function).

According to Habermas, what is the key function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Providing space for minorities and marginalized groups, preventing tyranny of the majority.

According to Lipset, what is the key function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Achieving self-reflection, overcoming contradictions and conflicts through public dialogue.

What is the negative function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Protecting people from fraudsters or state power.

What is the positive function of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Caring for people through charity and leisure activities.

What major event impacted Románské culture in relations to Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

The French Revolution (1789).

What key aspect defines the Anglosaské culture's relationship to Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

A strong emphasis on individual freedom.

How has Germánské culture influenced Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Through slow changes, social emancipation, nationalism, and a tendency towards passivity.

How do employers and unions operate in Southern European countries?

Employers and unions negotiate on behalf of employees, with state involvement.

In what four spheres does Občanská společnost (Civil Society) exist?

Private, State, Commercial, and Public.

What are the two conceptions of Občanská společnost (Civil Society)?

Minimalist and Maximalist.

Define minimalist conceptions of Občanská společnost (Civil Society).

It promotes active participation and is a space separate from state and private sectors, free from politics.

Define maximalist conceptions of Občanská společnost (Civil Society).

It links the public sphere with the economic sector, represents functions lost by a minimal state, and is funded by the private sector.

How Political culture can be defined?

It is the sum of various patterns of political orientations in society, influencing how the political system operates.

What elements build political culture?

Cognitive, affective and evaluative

Which subjective factors determine congruence?

Pride, tolerance towards other parties, trust in fellow citizens, and belief in one's ability to influence politics (civic competence).

Name negative goals of the state.

Defend society

Name positive goals of the state.

Give opportunities to society

Name some elities that have power in society.

Spiritual, political, economical

According to Dahrendorf, what happens if citizen space is closed and controlled?

It reduces citizen access to the world and empowers elites against the working class.

Why is the protection of minorities important in Democracy?

It defines state and protection of healthy society.