Civil society
Topic: Civil Society, Pressure Groups, NGOs and Self-help Groups · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 6 "The State, the Government, and You"; Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"
Meaning
Civil society is the space between the family, the state and the market. NCERT (Class 9, Democracy) describes it as "voluntary groups, NGOs and community associations that function interdependently within society". People join these groups by choice, not because the law makes them. Civil society gives citizens a voice. It acts as a watchdog, which means it keeps an eye on those in power. It also delivers services and starts public debate. Through public interest litigation (PIL), campaigns and community bodies, it works as a bridge between citizens and the State.
Example
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) was founded in 1990 at Devdungri, Rajasthan. It held public hearings on village accounts, and its campaign helped lead to the RTI Act 2005. Civil society also helps in disasters: in the 2015 Chennai floods, religious groups fed people.
Don't confuse with
- The State: the State makes laws and can enforce them by force. Civil society can only persuade, protest or serve.
- Political parties: parties contest elections to win power. Civil society groups do not try to form a government.