comp gov civil society

civil society

the collective action of a state’s citizens based upon shared interests, purposes, and values. Generally, civil society is separate from government and commercial for-profit organizations. If simplified, civil society is voluntary organizations not associated with the state that helps individuals define and advance their own interests. Strongest in democratic regimes. Does not have to be political

elements of a civil society

Voluntary

Autonomous from state

Associations

democratic regimes tend to

allow a far more robust civil society

Why are political scientists interested in civil society if it is separate from government?

When exploring civil society, it helps to define the people’s relationship to and role in politics and the larger community. More importantly, civil society can act as a check on the state’s power!

examples of civil societies in the world

religious organizations

neighborhood organizations

news media

business and professional associations

non- gov organizations

authoritarian regimes

often attempt to prevent challenges to authority and power

United Kingdom and Civil Society

Well Established: Interest groups, religious organizations, NGOs, professional associations. Very active in UK society and influential on policy making

UK Supports or limitations of civil society

Government supports civil society and protects civil society in the UK. Civil Society is an ingrained part of the culture in the UK as well as most advanced democracies like the US)

Russia and Civil Society

Underdeveloped: Most Russians don’t

belong to sports clubs, literary or cultural

groups, charitable organizations, or attend

church.Emerging Since the end of the Soviet Union

in 1991 more civil society organizations have

developed

Supports or Limits of russia civil society

Highly limited by the government, especially under Putin.

The government does not often directly attack, however the

government does investigate sources of income, civil society

groups must register with the government and this process is

made extremely difficult, police harassment, laws that

restrict foreign investments, and an expansion of treason

laws to include assisting foreign organizations (remember

civil society can include international organizations)

Mexico and Civil Societies

Developed: Despite one party

domination for almost 70 years of

Mexico’s history, Mexico has always had a

lively and engaged Civil Society.

Supports or Limits of mexican civil society

Prior to 2000 PRI divided interest groups into 3 groups:

labor, peasants, and middle class and each were dominated by

PRI-controlled groups so in other words there were

government limitations. However, after 2000 when PAN won the

Presidential election and ended PRIs domination, interest

groups and NGOs began to expand their power. Most of the

NGOs in Mexico are focused on human rights as violence, drug

cartels, and failure on the part of the government to

protect rights and liberties.

Nigeria and Civil Society

Underdeveloped: Little development in colonial

history. Emerging: Postcolonial history, many formal

interest groups and informal voluntary associations actively

seeking to influence politics.

supports and limits of nigerian civil society

Has at times been limited by the authoritarian nature of

Nigeria’s history as a colonial holding and its history

under military rule. Since 1999s Constitution there has been

a more robust civil society emerging. However, since 2017

the Nigerian government has been working on an NGO bill that

would regulate NGOs and limit civil society. Civil Society

also faces limitations that are non-government accusations

of mistrust of the public because of belief that many NGOs

are corrupt

china civil society

Underdeveloped: Prior to economic opening of

the country in the 1970s and 1980s and the Constitution of

1982 little evidence of civil society.Emerging Since the

opening of the economy to foreign investors and loosening of

control by the party there has been a development of private

organizations focused on charity initiatives like AIDS, the

environment, and legal reform. NGOs have also developed since the 1990s

Supports or Limits of civil society in china

The government controls media,

internet, etc. which is one limitation

on NGOs. The government keeps close

control of the groups. However,

religious groups in particular are

closely controlled, an example would

be the 1999-2001 crackdown on the

religious movement Falun Gong, a

religious group

Iran and Civil Society

Extremely Limited: Under the rule of the Shahs

there was little to no civil society. Under President

Khatami there was what was known as the Tehran spring or a

period of increased political liberalization. Under

President Ahmadinejad this policy was reversed as newspapers

were closed, banned, and censored and less toleration of

protests, etc

Supports or Limits of Iran civil society

Although in the early 2000s there were 1000s of NGOs listed

in Iranian records the government has limited public

gatherings, free speech, free media, arrests of those who

speak out against the government. However, young people are

keeping civil society alive. Iran has a very large youth

population and this group is very attracted to Western

popular culture-music, dress, cars, etc. although the

current regime is less tolerant of this attraction to

Western popular culture it keeps the idea of civil society

alive.

Civil Societies -> Democratization

Even though civil society organizations are often not

related to politics, they lead towards democratization in

their countries. Mexico and Nigeria are excellent examples

of this. In the late 20th century and early 21st century,

both of these nations have moved from authoritarian regimes

to democratic regimes, and the role of civil society is a

big part of this development. For instance, in Mexico in

2014, drug cartels murdered 43 students. NGOs banded

together and pressured the President into constitutional

reform to tackle corruption.

No Civil Societies -> Limitations on Freedoms

The limitations placed on civil society by governments tend to highlight violations of civil liberties protected under foundational documents. Iran highlights this tendency. In the Iranian Constitution, individuals are guaranteed the following provisions:

However, the Iranian government has dismantled the media at

times (especially newspapers), and media that is allowed is

owned and controlled by the government (radio and tv). Activists

upset by the loss of liberal candidates in the 2009 elections

were targeted by the government after many protested the

election results. In 2011, a human-rights lawyer name Nasrin

Sutoodeh, was jailed for 11 years for criticizing President

Ahmadinejad’s policies. This is in stark contrast to Mexico, as

discussed previously

Political culture is

The collective attitudes, values, and beliefs of the citizenry and the norms of behavior in the political system. It sets expectations about the exercise of power to establish a balance between social order and individual liberty. The collection of political beliefs that the government is based on. Extent and role of citizens in controlling policy making

political socialization

the lifelong process of acquiring one’s beliefs, values, and orientations toward the political system. Basically, political socialization is the way that political culture is transmitted. Regardless of country or regime; the agents of political socialization family, schools, peers, religious institutions, media, and social environments carry out the process of socialization. Agents are similar in both regimes.

What influences political culture?

There are multiple factors including geography, religious traditions, and history that form the population’s values and beliefs, about the role of government, the rights of individuals, and the role of individuals in controlling government policymaking.

Authoritarian Examples in practice

Authoritarian regimes tend to apply more concerted

governmental pressures to socialize their citizens around

conforming beliefs than do democratic regimes. What this

means is that the authoritarian regimes directly use their

agents of political socialization to inform political

culture.

1

core socialist values by heart, have them melt in their

hearts, and carve them in their brains.”

2. Iran and the idea of vilayet-e-faqih, which is shared through political socialization, justify the rule of clergy over the state.

Democratic Examples in practice.

Opposite of Authoritarian Regimes, the more Democratic

Regimes often use less pressure to socialize their citizens,

if any. Democratic regimes have more freedoms for their

citizens, generally, than Authoritarian ones,.

In the United Kingdom, there used to be a pressure to join

the Church of England from the Crown. However now, Freedom

of Religions means that people can practice Catholicism,

Islam, Judaism, or many different religions! This allows for

less conforming pressures from the government towards the

citizens.

china and political culture (geography)

Geography has been extremely influential in keeping China isolated for centuries.The geography has limited population growth in the Western portion of the country. Geographic boundaries have created a split between north and south in China.

china and political culture (religion)

Confucian ideas. Confucianism believes in hierarchy and respect for authority. Also promotes respect for elders.

china and political culture (history)

Patron-clientelism is prevalent in China. Looks a bit different in China than in Mexico for instance. In China it is more about within the party and the relationships with the leaders of the past. In other words trying to attract the supports of leaders who are no longer alive or in power. Common Historical eras- China has a long and rich history from the time of the Dynastys to Maoism with each influencing political culture. Nationalism identity of Han Chinese- the predominant ethnic group in China goes back to ancient times. There is a great pride in Chinese culture and accomplishments. Western Influence Has both been a point of resistance and acceptance in China.

Impact on China’s political culture?

Geography has impacted political culture in many ways but

perhaps most importantly is the fact that geography and vast

resources mean China is not economically or politically

dependent on other nations, it can sustain itself from

within.Common historical eras have greatly influenced

political culture. The first would be lack of protections

politically for those who are not Han Chinese, such as those

of Tibetan ethnicity.The second is much like Russia the idea

of collectivism from the time of Mao. Collectivism values

the community over the individual and this has greatly

influenced Chinese political culture.

UK political culture (geography)

A variety of geographical features have impacted the development of political culture in the UK, here are a few examples: insularity or separation from the continent of Europe. Small Size-limited resources and geography influenced the UK to become an imperial power; no geographical barriers-easy communication and transportation across the UK

UK political culture (religion)

Noblesse oblige or the duty of the upper classes to take responsibility for the welfare of the lower class. Multi-nationalism England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all been individual nations in the past, but are united under one government today. Evolution over Revolution- the UK slowly transitioned over time from a monarchy into a parliamentary system through tradition and policy change rather than a written Constitution.

What is the impact of political culture on UK

Geography has influenced policy

making in many ways, the EU is a

perfect example. Even prior to

Brexit the UK refused to use the

Euro, but rather kept the pound.

History of Noblesse oblige has

created a willingness for a

welfare state including National

Health Services. This also

impacted with geography, the UK’s

desire for imperialism.

mexico and political culture (geography)

Numerous impacts/influence. A few examples include:geographical barriers-numerous mountains and desserts separating regions.urban population-Mexico has urbanized rapidly and today about 3⁄4 of all Mexicans live in urban centers.

mexico and political culture (religion)

Until the 1920s the Catholic Church actively participated in politics. Today the political influence of the church has severely declined, however, most citizens are devout Catholics and this greatly influences political values and beliefs

Mexico and political culture (history)

Patron-clientelism can be defined as a system of if you help me, I will return the favor between political elites and the constituents. An example would be a region supporting a candidate and voting for that candidate and then the candidate providing jobs, government resources, etc. for that region.

Common History-Strong sense of national identification based on a

common history, as well as religion, and language.

Economic Dependency- A history of being dependent on Spain when a

colonial holding, as well as being a Neighbor to the U.S

What is the impact on Mexico’s political culture?

Geography because of the numerous mountains and desserts

separating regions and therefore regionalism is a major

characteristic of the political system. Religion greatly

influences political values and beliefs. For instance in

Mexico there are only 2 states that allow for abortion,

which is strictly forbidden by the Catholic Church, and the

other states. This example also illustrates regionalism, as

the Federal government allows the states to decide this

issue.Economic Dependency-PEMEX is a government-controlled

oil company so the government is viewed as being active in

the economy or controlling the economy.

nigeria political culture (geography)

Geographical barriers a patchwork of a variety of geographies including plateaus and deserts has created distinctive regions.

nigeria and political culture (religion)

Religious History is one of conflict between Christianity and Islam and this has greatly influenced political culture.

nigeria and political culture (history)

Patron-clientelism can be defined as a system of you scratch my back and I scratch yours between political elites and the constituents. An example would be a region supporting a candidate and voting for that candidate and then the candidate providing jobs, government resources, etc. for that region. Colonialism-Very greatly influenced by British colonialism. One example would be the state trying to control almost all aspects of life much like the British or subsequent military dictatorships in Nigeria.

What is the impact on Nigeria’s political culture?

An example of Religious influence on political culture include the fact that most Muslims generally support Sharia, or religious law as a valid part of political authority, but Christian populations disagree with this. Geographically we see regionalism in politics and this is also why there has been a great deal of patron-clientelism in regions. We can also see the influence of geography on religion, as most Northern states include Sharia law, not Southern states.State control can be seen in a very unique way in that when the citizens of Nigeria feel democracy is not working correctly, the citizens have often urged a military coup d’ etat to correct the situation this is a political culture developed as a direct result of the history of state control.

russia and political culture (geography)

Setting has been an influence on political culture in several ways: Russia is the largest country in the world and encompasses many ethnicity and climates. Russia is geographically vulnerable to invasion.

russia and political culture (religion)

Eastern orthodoxy was linked to the state early in Russia’s history. When Russia became the Soviet Union the Communist Party forbade its citizens from practicing religion

russia and political culture (history)

The Communist regime instilled in the people an idea of appreciation for equality and similar living standards.Nationality Cultural heterogeneity has always been a characteristic of Russian political culture, but Russians tend to categorize others based on their nationality and this can lead to discrimination and stereotypes.Skepticism The Russian people have a healthy skepticism and disdain for leaders.

What is the impact on Russia political culture?

An example of Religious influence on political culture is that there was no separation of church and state in political culture prior to the Soviet Union and Communist control.Geographical example of influence on political culture would be the development that state is more important than the individual that was a result of the state protecting individuals from invasion. Communist regime’s focus on equality has influenced political culture in modern Russia in that economic or capitalist development is not a focus of political culture.

iran and political culture (geography)

Geography is comprised of vast desert which has unevenly distributed the population of Iran, with most living in northwestern cities.

iran and political culture (religion)

Religion and politics are one and the same throughout Iran’s history, no separation of church and state.Shiism and Sharia 90% of all Iranians identify themselves as Shiite today.

iran and political culture (history)

History of Authoritarianism. Whether under the Shahs or the Supreme Leader. Lack of European colonization. Unlike countries of Asia, Africa, and South America, Iran was never officially colonized by Europeans. Nationalism; Iran has a history of nationalism and Iranian’s have a strong sense of nationalism over individualism.

Impact on Iran’s Political Culture?

Religion is an extremely important part of political culture

as Iran is a theocracy and the laws of the regime must not

violate Sharia law. Authoritarianism has influenced

political culture in that Iran’s leaders claimed to be all

powerful, but people soon realized that they had little

control over their daily lives and that local officials were

far more important to their every day political life