Book
Civilsamhället i demokratin
2026Lundberg, E., & Abdelzadeh, A.Lund: Studentlitteratur
What is this study about?
The book offers a comprehensive introduction to civil society's importance for democracy. It examines what civil society is, how it has developed, and what roles organizations, associations and citizen engagement play in a democratic society. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between citizens, civil society and the state.
What did we find?
The book shows that civil society's democratic significance is multifaceted. Organizations can represent interests, create opportunities for participation and community, and function as links between citizens and public institutions. Participation can also contribute to political knowledge, trust and other civic competences. At the same time, civil society is not democratic by definition. The book therefore discusses both its democratic potential and limitations, as well as how changed forms of organizing and relationships to the state affect its role.
Why does it matter?
Democracy is about more than elections, parties and public institutions. It is also shaped in the organizations and communities where people meet, organize themselves, develop common interests and try to influence society. Understanding civil society is therefore central to understanding how democracy works between elections, how citizens get the opportunity to participate and make their voices heard, and how the relationship between citizens and the state is shaped.
Citation
Lundberg, E., & Abdelzadeh, A. (2026) Civilsamhället i demokratin. Lund: Studentlitteratur
Research area
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