Civil society: concept, signs, structure. Functions of civil society. Is there a civil society in modern Russia? The basis for the existence of civil society is

One of the main tasks of any democratic state in the modern world is to achieve consensus among citizens. This is possible only if the interests of various social groups are respected and there is a possibility of reaching civil agreement. Civil society plays the main role in consolidating and connecting state and personal interests. This concept is quite broad, and in this article we will try to understand it.

What is civil society

Very often the development of the state itself directly depends on the level at which the civil society is located. To understand the essence of this concept, it is necessary to give a definition. Civil society is a system of social relations and institutions that are not state. This includes formal and informal structures that provide conditions for the political and social activities of a person.

In addition, civil society is also the satisfaction and implementation of various needs and interests of individuals, social groups and associations. It usually exists in two dimensions: social and institutional.

If we talk about the social component, then this is a historical experience, which, as it were, outlines the limits of possible actions of all participants in the political process. The experience can be both collective and individual. It determines the behavior of the individual in the political arena, the way of thinking and some other aspects of interpersonal relations.

If we imagine that civil society is an institutional dimension, then it can be characterized as a set of organizations that express the interests of various segments of the population. In addition, they are trying to implement them independently of the state.

Thus, the concept of civil society is quite broad, and different political scientists interpret it differently.

Civil Society Principles

Any society has its own convictions, civil in this regard is no exception. It operates on the basis of the following principles:

Signs of civil society

Society does not depend on the state and has its own developed economic, political, legal and cultural relations between its members, therefore it is characterized by certain features. The main ones are as follows:

• People's consciousness is at a high level.
• There is material security, which is based on the ownership of property.
• All members of society have close ties with each other.
• There is a state-controlled power, which is represented by hired workers who have the appropriate competence and ability to solve the problems of society.
• Power is decentralized.
• Some of the power is transferred to self-government bodies.
• Any conflicts in society should be resolved by finding compromises.
• There is a real sense of collectivity, provided by the awareness of belonging to one culture, nation.
• The personality of society is a person who is focused on spirituality and the creation of everything new.

It is also worth mentioning that a developed democracy can and should be included in the signs of a civil society. It is impossible to build a modern society without it. In almost any state, society has its own distinctive characteristics.

The structure of civil society

Society also differs in that it has its own structure, which necessarily includes public organizations and institutions. Their task is to ensure and create conditions for the realization of the interests of citizens and the needs of entire teams.

In addition, the structure of civil society also includes some subsystem elements, which include:

• National movements and nations.
• Classes.
• Social strata of society (eg retirees, students).
• Political parties or movements.
• Mass social movements (eg trade union organizations, environmentalists, animal advocates, etc.).
• Religious organizations.
• Community organizations (dog lovers, teetotal society or beer lovers).
• Various unions or associations, which may include entrepreneurs, bankers.
• The consumer society, which includes all of us.
• Any team in production, in educational institutions.
• The family is the unit of our society, therefore it is also part of its structure.

It often happens that even outstanding personalities can fulfill the functions of a separate element of society. These include the following: A. Sakharov, A. Solzhenitsyn, D. Likhachev and others.

Functions of civil society

Any organization, association performs its specific functions. This also applies to civil society. Among the main functions are the following:

1. The production of norms and values ​​that the state approves by its sanctions.
2. The formation of the environment in which the formation of the individual takes place.
3. Creation of conditions for the free development of the individual on the basis of various forms of ownership.
4. Regulation and control of all structures of society and their relationship with each other using civil law. This allows you to avoid or overcome various conflicts and develop certain policies in the interests of the whole society.
5. Protection of the rights of each person and his interests by creating an extensive system of legal mechanisms.
6. Large-scale self-government in all spheres of public life.

The relationship between society and the state

The state and civil society are in constant interaction. Society turns to the state with its initiatives, proposals, interests and requirements, most often requiring support, and above all material support.

The state, in turn, meets halfway in different ways, these can be:

• Consideration of initiatives and their support or disapproval.
• Allocation of funds for the development of organizations or foundations.

In almost any state, there are bodies of power in the power structures that deal with public relations. This relationship can be in different forms, for example, registering new organizations and providing them with assistance, creating conditions for material support.

In addition to special bodies, there is another form of contact between society and the state. This is when representatives of civil society are members of commissions, councils that work in the government. For example, deputies, experts and narrow professionals possessing valuable information concerning the development of society.

If we consider in detail the interaction of society and the state, then we can draw certain conclusions:

1. Civil and legal society is a powerful lever in the system of limiting the desire of political power for domination. For this, participation in election campaigns is used. As well as the formation of public opinion with the help of independent media.
2. Civil society constantly needs government support. That is why many representatives of organizations take an active part in the work of government agencies. Despite the fact that most organizations are self-forming and independent, they still interact with the state in various forms.
3. It has a keen interest in good relations with society.

The concept of civil society is too broad and ambitious, but it necessarily implies close interaction with government agencies. It is very important for a democratic state that these relationships are trusting and close, this is the only way to have economic and political stability.

Civil society and its institutions

As we have already found out, the main element of any society is a person. Therefore, all groups and organizations should contribute to the comprehensive development of the individual and the realization of his interests.

Civil society institutions can be divided into several groups:

1. Organizations in which a person receives everything he needs to meet his vital needs, for example, food, food, housing. These can be trade union organizations, industrial or consumer unions.
2. The second group of institutions includes the family, the church, sports organizations, and creative unions. In them, the individual satisfies his spiritual needs, physical.
3. Political parties and movements satisfy the need for governance.

Thus, the implementation of all the interests of citizens is carried out by the institutions of civil society. The boundaries of these rights and freedoms are precisely its main features.

Characteristic features of modern civil society

Today, civil society is characteristic, which has the following characteristics:

• There is still no integral and unified system of civil structures. You can also talk about the weak legal protection of citizens.
• In society, you can see the division of people into the poor and the rich, the elite and the common people, representatives of the authorities and everyone else.
• Weak social basis of society. It is estimated that the middle class occupies from 16 to 30% of all citizens.
• The unifying cultural values ​​do not have a vivid expression: respect for the individual, solidarity, trust and others.
• Citizens in most cases are passive and do not want to take part in the political and public life of the state.
• Organizations either weakly or ineffectively influence the authorities.
• The legal basis of civil society is still at the stage of formation.
• The appearance of society as a whole is influenced by both historical development and modern features.
• The process of the formation of civil society in Russia cannot yet be called complete. This is a very long journey. Many citizens simply do not realize the role of society in the life of the state and their own.

A big problem at the moment is the alienation of many organizations, groups, institutions from the state.

Global open society

Global civil society is already an international sphere of manifestation of citizens' initiatives, their unification on a voluntary basis in an organization. This area does not lend itself to intervention and regulation by the state. Such a society is the main base for the development of civilization and a kind of regulator not only of the economy, but also of politics in all world countries.

An open global society has its own characteristics:

1. There is a rapid change of officials based on public opinion.
2. The same can be said about the elite of society.
3. Availability of accessible media outlets that are not subject to government censorship.
4. The presence of social networks in which citizens can influence each other.
5. Public opinion depends on the assessments of citizens.
6. All rights and freedoms are realizable, not just on paper.
7. Self-government is at a high level.
8. The state is pursuing a correct social policy.
9. The middle class also has weight in society.
10. Public organizations exercise control over state structures.

Thus, we can say that a global society is one in which the state does not dominate the relations of citizens.

Society and its development

If we talk about the development of civil society, then we can safely say that it is not finished yet. This applies not only to our country, but also to all other world states.

Most political scientists argue that the formation of civil society began in ancient times, for example, in Greece, Rome, there were separate elements of society. Trade and crafts were developing, this led to the emergence of commodity-money industries, which were consolidated in Roman private law.

If we talk about European regions, then there are several stages in the development of society:

1. The first stage can be attributed to the 16-17 centuries. At this time, political, economic, ideological prerequisites for the development of civil society began to appear. This is the rapid development of industry, trade, the division of labor, the development of commodity-money relations, an ideological revolution, the formation of culture and art.
2. The second stage starts from the 17th and continues until the 19th century. This period was marked by the formation of civil society in the most developed countries in the form of capitalism, which was based on private entrepreneurship.
3. The 20th century is the beginning of the third stage of development, which continues to this day.

If we talk about the development of civil society in Russia at the present time, a number of features can be noted:

• Our society has an insufficiently developed political culture.
• Many citizens lack social responsibility.
• Initially, Russia belonged to those countries that are more oriented towards the state than society. Such stereotypes are difficult to correct.
• There is no powerful social stratum that would be able to lead the social movement, therefore the main role in this is assigned to the state.

The formation of a civil society is a long and almost continuous process in which both citizens and the state take an active and equal part. If it is possible to form a modern legal civil society, then the state will be forced to obey the laws and serve for the benefit of citizens.

Civil society, the concept, features, the structure of which will be described in detail in the article, is considered the main pillar of any true democracy. It acts as a guarantee of its strengthening and preservation, contributing to its formation. The main opponent of the development of totalitarianism in the state is precisely the civilian of this formation? How is her activity manifested? More on this later.

General information

Civil society is called upon to ensure the protection of society from various abuses of power. It helps to limit corruption, hinders In Russia, the structure and functions of civil society are just beginning to take shape. This is manifested primarily in the proclamation of individual freedoms and rights as the highest value of society, which determines the content and meaning of the activities of the authorities. Among the prerequisites due to which the structure of civil society began to form, the following can be briefly named:

• The emergence of a multi-party system.
• Development of market relations.
• Implementation of the principle of separation of powers.

The more extensive influence of civil society on the activities of the state is hindered by the bureaucratic system.

Education

Civil society - the concept, signs, structure of this form of organization of people - has passed a fairly long period of formation in the course of historical development. As a result, it has become a powerful social entity. Civil society began to function not only as an exclusively state, but also as a social structure. During the transition to market relations, there is a significant property stratification of education. This period is characterized by an increase in social, including interethnic conflicts. All these factors have a negative impact on the process of formation and development of civil society. Today, the issues of ensuring the social protection of people, the implementation of the principles of justice in public administration are coming to the fore.

The concept and essence of civil society

Today, the definition has been significantly enriched in content and is considered very ambiguous. In a general sense, it provides for the highest. The structure of civil society includes individuals, institutions and groups. All of them are not directly dependent on the political state. Also, the structure of civil society can be briefly considered as an association in which there are developed cultural, legal, political, economic relationships between the individuals that form it. At the same time, these connections are not mediated by the state.

Characteristic

The concept and essence of civil society can be viewed from two points of view. In accordance with the first, this form of organization is a complex of interpersonal relations, and in this case, the structure of civil society includes the economy, culture, education, family, religion, and so on. The participation of the state in the development of these relations is not provided. Due to this complex of interactions, social groups and individuals are satisfied with their own interests and needs. The concept of civil society in philosophy presupposes an ideal model for the formation of formation. According to this point of view, social education consists of sovereign free individuals. At the same time, they should have the broadest socio-economic, political, cultural and other rights, actively participate in public administration and freely satisfy a wide variety of individual needs.

Principles

They support the life of civil society. The basic principles include:

• Equality of freedoms and rights of all people.
• Economic independence of individuals.
• Guaranteed legal protection of freedoms and human rights.
• Freedom of the population in the formation of movements and parties.
• The legally guaranteed opportunity for people to form independent associations based on professional characteristics and interests.
• Providing the necessary conditions, including material ones, for the development of culture, education of the population, science, education and others.
• The existence of a stabilizing mechanism that ensures the safety of relations between society and the state, as well as the safety of the former.
• Freedom of education and media activity.

What are the characteristics of civil society? What are the main features of this form of organization

An essential feature of this complex is the ability to control and resist the state. There are many periods in history in which civil society prevailed over power. The essence and structure of formation can be in different states. For example, in the East, this complex is generally considered "amorphous", but the state has unlimited opportunities and power, penetrating into all spheres of life. As for Russia, here the state, as a rule, won and subjugated civil society. The essence and structure of the complex are constantly under pressure from the authorities. A striking example is the 70-year period of totalitarianism in the country. As a result, historical development has practically reached a dead end. In modern Russia, civil society has come to be viewed from a different angle. An interest arose in him as a political ideal. A sign of civil society is also the desire to ensure freedom and individual rights, to resist authoritarian manifestations of power. This form of organization, among other things, can take on some of the government's tasks that the latter is not capable of performing. Nevertheless, there is a certain dependence of civil society on the authorities. Its degree depends on the ability of the uniting people to satisfy their needs on their own, without turning to the state for help.

Other features

Other signs of civil society include:

• Developed legal, cultural, political, economic relationships between individuals.
• The ability to control the state.
• The presence of self-regulation and self-control mechanisms.
• Pluralistic character. It manifests itself in a variety of parties, forms of ownership, and more.
• Lack of human enslavement. In society, interacting people are considered its foundation.
• The development and diversity of the structure, which reflects the different interests of strata and groups, the ramification of democracy.
• A high degree of psychological, intellectual development of people, the ability to act independently when attracted to a particular institution of the complex.
• Legality.

Within the framework of civil society, the freedoms and rights of its members are most fully ensured. In the complex, there is also competition between groups. In a healthy society, its members freely form their own opinions, develop awareness, and actually realize the right to information. The life activity of the complex is based on the coordination principle. This is how society differs from the state apparatus. In it, interactions occur according to the principle of subordination, strict obedience.

Components of the complex

Civil society has a special structure. Its components - institutions and formations - provide conditions for meeting the needs and realizing the interests of collectives and individuals. They are able to exert the necessary pressure on the authorities, forcing them to serve for the benefit of the population. The structure - the interior arrangement - reflects the interaction and diversity of the components. It provides dynamism and integrity to development. As a backbone, generating volitional and intellectual energy in the complex, it is, in fact, a person with characteristic natural interests and needs. Their outward expression is contained in the duties and rights enshrined in legislation. Various associations and communities of people, as well as stable relationships between them, are considered as structural elements. In the complex there are vertical and the basis of the latter are different interactions that appear in the process of ensuring public life. These primarily include economic relations. They are based on a guarantee and a variety of forms of ownership. This is considered a fundamental condition of personal freedom in civil and other societies. Sociocultural relations are also developed within the system. These include ethnic, family-related, religious and other stable ties.

Social contours

Only a diverse, ramified social structure can act as the foundation of a civil society. It reflects all the diversity and richness of interests of members of groups and representatives of strata. Cultural pluralism plays a significant role in the formation of social contours. It includes all the components of spiritual life, ensures equality with the participation of all individuals in creative activity. In the upper stratum of society, there are relationships that are associated with personal choice, political and cultural differences of interest groups.

Civil society- this is:

1) the sphere of self-manifestation of free citizens and voluntarily formed associations and organizations, protected by the relevant laws from direct interference and arbitrary regulation by state authorities;

2) a set of non-political relations, that is, social relations outside the framework of power-state structures.

The history of the formation of civil society

The history of the development of its concept in Western socio-political thought testifies to the difficulties of the formation of civil society.

Thinkers about the essence of civil society:

The structure of civil society

The structure of civil society includes various communities of people:

Political parties and lobbying (from the English lobby - lobby, corridor) organizations (committees, commissions, councils), created under the government.

Social and political organizations and movements (environmental, anti-war, human rights, etc.).

Business unions, consumer associations, charitable foundations, cooperatives, rental collectives, joint stock companies.

Scientific and cultural organizations, sports societies.

Municipal communes and other self-government bodies at the place of residence and work, voter associations, political clubs.

Independent media.

Relations between the components of society, which have a non-state and non-political nature (family ties, professional, economic, religious and other relations).

A special space for the free manifestation of people, which is protected from interference by the state and other forces.

The ratio of civil society and the state

Civil society functions:

Regardless of the state, it has the means and sanctions with which you can force a person to comply with generally accepted norms that ensure the socialization and education of citizens.

Protects citizens and their associations, interests and needs from illegal interference in their life by the state and its bodies, protects the rights and freedoms of the individual, defines the boundaries of politics.

Contributes to the formation of state bodies, the democratic and humanistic development of the entire political system of society.

Civil society acts as the necessary democratic layer between man and state,preventing the latter from usurping power.

QUESTIONS:

1. Find a concept that is generalizing for all other concepts in the series below, and write down the number under which it is indicated.

1) scientific organization; 2) civil society; 3) joint stock company; 4) sports society; 5) environmental movement.

2. What is the meaning of social scientists in the concept of "civil society"? Drawing on your knowledge of the social studies course, compose two sentences containing information about civil society.

1. The meaning of the concept, for example: civil society is the sphere of self-determination of free citizens and voluntarily formed associations and organizations, protected by appropriate laws from direct interference and arbitrary regulation by the state authorities. (A different, closely related definition may be given.)

2. Two sentences with information about the political regime based on the knowledge of the course, for example:

1) “Civil society took shape at a certain stage of historical development, primarily in Western civilization”;

2) "The process of the formation of civil society was not only economic, social, political, but also socio-cultural and spiritual transformation."

Any other proposal containing information on the political regime can be drawn up.

3. Name any three institutions of civil society in modern Russia and give examples of their activities.

The following institutions can be named and examples of their activities are given:

1) public organizations - the committee of soldiers' mothers, which monitors the observance of the rights of soldiers doing military service;

2) trade unions - the independent trade union of miners of Russia;

3) independent media - radio station "Echo of Moscow", which gives the floor to representatives of various political movements.

4. You have been instructed to prepare a detailed answer on the topic “Civil Society”. Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in subparagraphs.

One of the options for the disclosure plan for this topic:

1. The concept of civil society.

2. Preconditions for the emergence of civil society:

a) economic;

b) political and legal;

c) social;

d) cultural.

3. The structure of civil society:

a) political parties and movements;

b) public organizations;

in church;

d) trade unions;

e) independent media.

4. Functions of civil society.

5. The relationship between civil society and the rule of law.

6. Prospects for the development of civil society in modern Russia.

A different number and (or) other correct wording of points and sub-points of the plan is possible.

5. (1−4). Read the text and complete assignments 1-4.

“Democracy is essentially a means, a utilitarian device for protecting social peace and individual freedom. As such, it is not flawless, not reliable in itself. It should also not be forgotten that often in history, cultural and spiritual freedom flourished during periods of authoritarian rule, not democracy, and that the rule of a homogeneous, dogmatic majority can make democracy more intolerable than the worst of dictatorships.

Paying attention to the fact that democracy is under threat has become fashionable, and there is some danger in it. Hence comes the erroneous and unfounded belief that as long as the supreme power in the country belongs to the will of the majority, this is a sure remedy for arbitrariness. The opposite statement would be no less erroneous: not at all the source of power, but its limitation, is a reliable remedy for arbitrariness. Democratic control can prevent the government from becoming a dictatorship, but it requires work. If, on the other hand, democracy solves its problems with the help of power, not limited by firmly established rules, it inevitably degenerates into despotism.

When the government has to determine how many pigs to raise or how many buses to drive on the country's roads, which coal mines it is advisable to keep operating or how much to sell boots in stores, all such decisions cannot be deduced from formal rules or taken once and for all or for a long period. They inevitably depend on circumstances that change very quickly. And, making such decisions, one has to keep in mind the complex balance of interests of various individuals and groups. In the end, someone finds reasons to prefer some interests to others. These grounds become part of the law. This is how privileges are born, inequality arises imposed by the government apparatus ...

The state should confine itself to the development of general rules applicable in situations of a certain type, giving individuals freedom in everything related to the circumstances of place and time, because only individuals can fully know these circumstances and adapt their actions to them. And so that individuals can consciously make plans, they must have the ability to foresee the actions of the government, capable of influencing these plans ”(F. Hayek).

1. What role should the state play in the regulation of public life in a democracy, according to the author? Why else should individuals be free?

2 ... What are the three threats to democracy named by the author?

3. Based on the text, personal experience and facts of social life, give three concrete examples of "firmly established rules" of democracy that do not allow its degeneration into a dictatorship.

1) "The state should limit itself to the development of general rules applicable in situations of a certain type";

2) "... only individuals can fully know these circumstances (places and times) and adapt their actions to them."

2. Three threats to democracy:

1) "the rule of a homogeneous, dogmatic majority";

2) power "not limited by firmly established rules";

3) the existence of privileges for individual members of society, inequality.

3. Three concrete examples of “well-established rules” of democracy that prevent it from degenerating into a dictatorship:

1) "democratic control";

2) "development by the state of general rules applicable in situations of a certain type";

3) "granting individuals freedom in everything that is associated with the circumstances of place and time";

4) recognition of the people as a source of power;

5) equality of citizens;

6) participation of citizens in government;

7) electivity of the main state authorities;

8) respect for minority rights.

Three arguments:

1) in a democratic country, the branches of government are controlled by the society;

2) in a democracy, political and ideological pluralism is ensured;

3) thanks to the separation of powers, a citizen can be protected from arbitrariness by the state.

Other arguments could be given.

Civil society - this is:

the sphere of self-manifestation of free citizens and voluntarily formed associations and organizations, protected by the relevant laws from direct interference and arbitrary regulation by state authorities;

a set of non-political relations, that is, social relations outside the framework of power-state structures.

Constitutional state - a kind of a democratic state, the political regime of which is based on strict observance of the rule of law, legal norms that enshrine the natural, inalienable, universal rights and freedoms of man and peoples.

Preconditions for the emergence of civil society

QUESTIONS:

1. (1-6) Read the text and complete assignments 1-6.

There are people who want to be led because of a passive and reverent nature, or a selfishly relying on the benefits of being obedient or supporting established authorities. Further, there are many people who generally
have no taste for social participation or have no inclination, need, or opportunity
engage in public affairs, remain indifferent to them and deliberately want to isolate themselves from them in order to avoid the known unpleasant aspects of participation in public life. Finally, there is a natural physical and spiritual inequality of abilities, intelligence and talent, which themselves dictate the choice for leading an organized society and determine the leadership that society needs and its correct organization.<…>

The cardinal requirement of democracy is that not only the leaders, but also the led masses themselves, participating in discussions, criticism, elections and political life in general, should strive to get closer to the ideal of a democratic hero. Namely: get an education, understand your great tasks and get closer to the ideals and requirements that democracy makes to
to a mature citizen.

Duties are bilateral: the moral level of a real democrat leader must correspond to the moral level of the mature masses of the people under his leadership. They follow their real leader in the same way as those who follow the creator-artist, whom he draws into other spheres and kingdoms with the power of his creativity.

(Adapted after the book. E. Benes)

1) Make an outline of the text. To do this, highlight the main semantic fragments of the text and heading each of them.

2) What characterization of the responsibilities of participants in public life in a democracy does the author give? How does he explain this characteristic?

3) What qualities (traits, properties), according to E. Benes, characterize a person who is ready and able to lead others and lead an organized society? Name any four of them.

4) Use concrete examples to illustrate any three of the characteristics of a “democratic hero” given in the text.

5) Sergey owns a small company. He considers any participation in public life to be pampering and a waste of time. He does not go to the polls, explaining that Sunday is the only day off that he can afford. How can you explain Sergei's position? Provide a piece of text that can help you answer the question.

6) The text provides three forms (models) of participation in public life. Choose the one that you think is the most correct. Based on the text and social science knowledge, give two arguments (explanations) in defense of your position.

physical and spiritual abilities;

intelligence;

These qualities (traits, properties) can be given in other, similar formulations.

4. As an illustration of the data in the text of the characteristics of the "democratic hero" the following examples can be given:

1. Good knowledge of the law helps a citizen to participate in discussions, defending their rights.

   An interest in politics makes one take part in the political life of the country, and fight against injustice.

   The ability to analyze the programs of various parties and leaders allows you to make the right choice.

The characteristics of the “democratic hero” can be illustrated by another example.

5. The correct answer should contain the following elements:

An explanation of the fact given in the assignment, for example: Sergei does not have any interest in public life, he is completely focused on his personal goals and problems. Another explanation for the fact given in the assignment can be given.

Fragment of the text: “there are many people who have no taste at all for participation in public life or have no inclination, need or opportunity to engage in public affairs, remain indifferent to them and consciously want to isolate themselves from them in order to avoid the known unpleasant aspects of participation in public life ".

6. The correct answer should contain the following elements:

One of the three given forms (models) of participation in public life.

Two arguments (explanations) in defense of their choice, for example:

this position allows us to maintain stability in society to a greater extent.

In the case of choosing the second form (model) (deliberately isolating oneself from public affairs), it may be indicated that:

there is a natural physical and spiritual inequality of abilities, intelligence and talent, therefore not all people can be leaders;

Everyone must do their job. If you do not have the ability to actively participate in public life, then honestly do your job, and those who have the appropriate ability, let them go in for politics.

In the case of choosing the third form (model) (management of an organized society), it may be indicated that:

if nature has endowed a person with abilities, talent and intelligence that allow him to manage social life, then such talents cannot be “buried in the ground”;

only this position contributes to the development of society, the improvement of people's lives.

Other arguments (explanations) may be given.

a type of society characterized by a high degree of self-determination of individuals and the presence of self-government in the form of various organizations and associations, due to which the rights of the individual are reliably protected in it, and the state serves as the protection and guarantor of these rights.

Excellent definition

Incomplete definition ↓

CIVIL SOCIETY

certain societies. system, organization of the family, estates or classes, the official expression of which is political. system based on a developed system of civil law. The idea of ​​O.G. clearly insufficiently worked out in modern sociological studies. theories that run counter to the needs of practice, with a fairly frequent reference to O.G. politician and societies. leaders, everyone who is concerned about the fate of man, the improvement of his living conditions in the modern world. Until now, that theoretical one remains almost unclaimed. potential, which is assigned to the concept of OG. in the history of sociology and philosophy. So, Aristotle turns to this concept in his works and gives it his own interpretation. Serious importance is attached to O.G. in the Hegelian concept of the development of history. It is Hegel who gives a relatively complete explanation of the need to remove a huge area of ​​societies from under the arbitrary control of sovereigns and structures. life - property ties, relationships and processes to ensure freedom and independence of a person in this area. In other words, Hegel divorces the concept of political. spheres and civil society, believing that the latter for a person is a sphere of free autonomy, protecting him from the encroachments of official institutionalized bodies. In this breeding, the antifeudal thrust of the OG idea is clearly traced, which is caused by the need to "pave the way" for the bourgeois by theoretical means. societies. an order unthinkable without the freedom of a human commodity producer. The founders of Marxism, developing the idea of ​​OG, proceeded from the premise that "liberation" is a historian. a business. They considered the problem of O.G. from the standpoint of materialistic. understanding of history, believing that the path to the liberation of a person lies through the creation of highly developed productive forces, overcoming his alienation from the means of production, turning him into the owner of these means, the establishment of social services. equality and fairness in relations between people. As the events of the 20th century showed, the idea of ​​O.G. not only is not outdated, but, on the contrary, has become unusually aggravated. There is a danger of human enslavement, and the source of this danger is the overwhelming power of political and state structures, their expansionist claims, extending not only to the economic. relations, but also on all other spheres of human activity, including the area of ​​spiritual culture. The repressiveness of these structures has a particularly hard effect on the lives of people in countries dominated by totalitarian regimes, an administrative command order, where an authoritarian style of relations between the bearers of power and ordinary members of the society is developing. On the relevance of the idea of ​​O.G. the ongoing search for optimal interaction between statesmen and societies in all civilized countries is also evidenced. and actually economical. regulators of behavior and activities of people. Sociologists, as well as representatives of other societies. sciences, are included in the work on defining a strategy that makes it possible to produce, in the words of Marx, "the reverse absorption of state power by the society, when the forces that subjugate and enslave the society are replaced by its own living forces" (Marx K, Engels F. Vol. 17, p. 548). But this "reverse takeover" is a lengthy process. It includes the transformation of the economy, social. relations, reforms in the field of education, upbringing and culture; in general, it involves the involvement of the person himself in this process as a free-thinking and free-acting individual. In principle, O.G. as a sphere of human initiative, it should be free from arbitrary interference by the state and organs. Lit .: Hegel G.V. F. Philosophy of Law // Works. T. 7.M., L., 1934; Marx K., Engels F. Feuerbach. The opposite of materialistic and idealistic views. New publication of the first chapter of "German Ideology". M., 1966. A.D. Naletova.

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Incomplete definition ↓

a society consisting of independent, self-sufficient individuals with fundamental rights and freedoms; a system of voluntary, self-governing communities of people created to achieve their own goals and interests, to realize their abilities and talents: family, economic associations, professional, sports, creative, confessional unions and associations, etc.

Civil relations include the sphere of non-commercial life: family-related, compatriot, educational, religious, moral, commodity-money, etc., connecting people with joint activities to meet material and spiritual needs.

G.O. complements the power hierarchical relations, approved by the state, horizontal relations, acting on the basis of the principle of self-regulation.

G.O. - a society of pluralism in the economy (multi-structure, variety of forms of ownership), politics (multi-party system, competitive elections), spiritual life (freedom of speech, conscience, religion).

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Incomplete definition ↓

CIVIL SOCIETY

includes the whole set of non-political relations in society, that is, economic, spiritual and moral, family and household, religious, demographic, national, etc. Thus, G.o. a multidimensional, self-organizing system intermediate between the family and the state, this is a naturally emerging social, not political relationship between individuals. In the system of civil society, everyone acts not as an official of the state, but as an individual who has his own special goals in life that differ from national goals. In the formal and structural aspect, G.O. is a set of voluntary associations, unions, organizations that allow individuals to communicate on the basis of similar spiritual and practical interests. It does not allow citizens to become like the scattering of autonomous atoms and offers many forms of social cooperation, encourages various manifestations of human solidarity. G.O. - a rather late historical education, characteristic of the Western civilization of modern times. Its emergence presupposed two main conditions - the transition of traditional feudal society to the industrial phase of development and the emergence of mass generations of emancipated citizens who are aware of the inalienability of their natural rights. Implementing bottom-up social initiatives, G.O. provides self-regulation processes within the civilization system. It complements the vertical power relations established by the state with horizontal relations that operate on the basis of the principle of self-regulation. The state and the individual, which at first seem to be incomparable social values, in the presence of a well-developed state of affairs. acquire value equality. Not encouraging either statist arbitrariness or legal nihilism of individuals, G.O. contributes to the strengthening of social order, gives it such a quality as civilization. Consequently, G.o. This is the sphere of self-manifestation and self-development of the interests of free individuals, as well as voluntarily formed associations, non-governmental organizations of citizens.In democratic countries, civil society is protected by the necessary laws from direct interference, control and arbitrary regulation by state authorities. Today, civil society is one of the central categories of social philosophy, denoting that part of social life in which the non-state and the most active economic, social, spiritual life of people is concentrated and in which their "natural" rights and freedoms are realized, the equality of different subjects of activity, especially on market space, where all participants, regardless of any differences, enter into free and equal relations with each other. From this point of view, civil society is opposed to the state, whose task is to resolve by political (or, in extreme situations, by military) means of conflicts between civil society actors and ensure its normal functioning.

The concept of civil society was formed in the course of the development of world political thought. The first clear ideas about civil society were expressed by N. Machiavelli, T. Hobbes and J. Locke. The ideas of natural rights as a model of status and moral equality of people, as well as a social contract as a way to control the achievement of consent, formed the basis of the modern understanding of civil society.

The creation of civil society meant the liberation of private life, family and business from the rule of the state. At the same time, the individual received freedom of religion; everyday life emerged from political tutelage; individual interests, especially in matters of private property and commercial activity, were supported by the law. The presence of a mature civil society means respect for inalienable natural human rights, recognition of their moral equality. The central issue was the relationship between the "sovereign state" and the "sovereign people", which represented the legitimate basis of state power. The system of checks and balances ensured finding a balance between the branches of government, between society and the state, freedom and responsibility, power and law. The state was not simply expelled from private life, the economy, spiritual life, but, on the contrary, was placed under control by society, which was exercised, in particular, on the issue of the ability of the authorities to ensure the security of these areas and their freedom, to suppress, even through legitimate violence, any claims, to exert on they are also pressured by non-state structures, for example, criminals, monopolies, etc.

The idea of ​​building a civil society belongs to the liberal thought of the 18th century, which still does not separate civil liberties from the problems of morality and social equality. Later, the concept of civil society retains a positive attitude towards the freedoms of citizens, their rights and obligations in relation to the state. The state, for its part, is interpreted as expressing the interests of citizens. Civil society includes the separation of the public and private spheres and, at the same time, their interaction. On the basis of this principle, women were involved in the public sphere, although previously only a man was understood as an autonomous and responsible individual.

Today, Western social theories have a set of empirical features without which a society cannot be called good. The Good Society concept is based on the idea of ​​civil society and expands its boundaries. "Good Society" is not a reality, but a theoretical tool for analyzing the achievements of mankind in the social sphere and their conceptualization at the level of empirical generalizations. The inalienable features include: freedom and human rights, the ability of a person to be responsible in freedom, to strive not only for negative freedom-freedom "from" (coercion, dependence), but also for positive freedom - freedom "for" (self-realization, implementation of one's plans , setting social goals, etc.); the attainability of a minimum of social and natural benefits; the presence of a social order. This is the order of civil society. The classic term of philosophy, political science and legal science until the 60s. 20th century meant a society that is able to bring the state under control. In the 60s. lawyer R. Naider organized a consumer protection society and made a theoretical expansion of this concept. This is a society that is able to bring under control not only the state, but also wealth. Similar attempts were made earlier in Wilson's antitrust legislation, in antitrust policy, but were not conceptualized in terms of civil society. Before this idea was proclaimed in America, the phrase was popular: "What's good for General Motors is good for America." R. Naider questioned this thesis. Despite the fact that society cannot exist without the state as an organ of legitimate violence, it is taken under control in civil society. The same should happen with corporations. This new doctrine, which operates in the United States to a certain extent (through the consumer society advocacy service, better service bureaus, consumer courts, etc.), takes into account not only civil liberties and the rights of the individual, but also economic rights that belong to the classical liberalism is more likely to benefit.

Lit .: Modern liberalism. M., 1998; Held D. Models of Democracy. Stanford, 1987; Held D. Prospects for Democracy. North, South, East, West. Stanford, 1993; Isaac K. Civies for Democracy. Wash. 1992; Liberalism and the Good, ed. by R. B. Douglass, G. M. Mare, H. S. Richardson. N. Y.-L. 1990; PelcynskiZ. A. The State and Civil Society. N. W., 1984.

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Incomplete definition ↓