In this paper, I use Anthony Giddens’ theory of structuration to examine the issue of human agency in the economic reform in China. As part of my preliminary dissertation research, interviews and archival research are conducted in order to explore the roles played by human agency of laobaixing (common people) in the historic era of structural change in China since 1978. I conclude that the agen...

What role can social movements and civil society play in promoting transformative development in the global South? This paper argues that inclusive and democratic forms of development depend on a delicate balance between the market, the state and civil society. Globalization has created new opportunities for economic development, but market power has often expanded at the expense of democratic ...

The author argues that in democracies a strong state and strong civil society are not mutually exclusive. Only a democratic, legitimate, and strong state can provide the environment for civil society activities to flourish; in return, only a strong and a participatory civil society can outline the reach of state strength vis-à-vis the society. The author discusses the need for civil society org...

statement of the problem: in this article relationship between social trust and civil society (with emphasis on voluntary associations) is empirically examined. in addition, this article attempts to answer this question: what kind of relationship is there between voluntary associations membership and social trust? method: 457 students of mazandaran university were chosen and the questionnaires ...

One of the main motivations for measuring weakness or strength civil society is to obtain a reliable basis understanding dynamics its development as well social and political potential. In this article, we argue that paradox “weakness society” in Central Eastern Europe can be explained by insufficient methodologies involved what call static approach (or weakness) society. We present more approp...

This paper examines the European Union’s interaction with civil society organizations in Armenia through the European Neighbourhood Policy as a potential example of normative socialization. Through examining the EU’s interaction with domestic NGOs in Armenia, this paper offers an evaluation of the socialization mechanism coupled with a general critique of the EU’s democratization policy in rela...

In this paper, the author will discuss two popular terms, i.e. organized civil society and global governance and their relations. The paper is mainly about organized civil society (international non-governmental organizations) and democracy in global governance. First, the author will provide a few related definitions. These terms, although are highly contested, need to be identified to avoid c...