Civil Society interest groups and the media

Civil Society

the framework within which those without political authority live their lives, economic relationships, family structures, religious institutions.

Non-governmental Organizations

non-profit organizations that work to address social, political, environmental, or humanitarian issues. They operate separately from government control.

Interest groups

associations formed to promote a sectional interest in the political system, they will try to shape laws and policies to benefit their members or a particular cause. They don’t run the government; they influence it.

Corporatism

A political system in which major interest groups formally share power and negotiate decisions together.

Two variants of Corporatism

Society-led or state-led

Society-Led (Liberal Corporatism)

when interest groups guide policymaking and the state acts more as a coordinator.

State-led (Authoritarian Corporatism)

the government controls the major groups and uses them to enforce state goals.

Political Anthropology

examines the connections between political attitudes and behavior and their cultural contexts, especially at the grass roots.

Subaltern Studies

about studying history from the viewpoint of the ordinary people, not the elites, led by Ranajit Guha.

role of media in politics

To inform the public, shape political opinions, and act as a watchdog over government

Meaning of calling the media the fourth estate

highlights the media’s role as an independent check on political power

Agenda-setting

media’s ability to influence which issues the public thinks are important.

Framing in media

Choosing specific angles or interpretations that shape how people understand an issue

Media supporting democracy

providing information, enabling debate, and ensuring accountability.

Public Sphere

A space where citizens discuss issues freely, leading to informed public opinion.

pluralism

many groups have a voice in politics, and no single group dominates.

Disruptive Technologies

change how information spreads, who controls it, and how citizens participate

Horizontal communication

Communication among citizens (peer-to-peer), rather than top-down from state or media institutions

risk of electronic democracy

Vulnerability to hacking, manipulation, and unequal acces

Facebook Challenge in political science

Understanding how Facebook influences elections, public opinion, and the spread of misinformation