scholarly journals Liberal outcomes through undemocratic means: the reform of the Code de statut personnel in Morocco

2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Cavatorta ◽  
Emanuela Dalmasso
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Individual Decision ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Associational Life ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
New Family ◽  
The Family ◽  
Family Code

ABSTRACTThe 2004 reform of the family code in Morocco has been held as one of the most significant liberal reforms undertaken in the country, and has led scholars and policy makers to argue that this demonstrates the democratic progress Morocco and the King are making. At the same time, the role of the women's movement in getting the reform approved has seemingly confirmed that associational life is crucial in promoting democratisation. This paper, building on theoretical work questioning the linkage between a strong civil society and democratic outcomes, argues that civil society activism does not necessarily lead to democratisation, and may reinforce authoritarian practices. Far from demonstrating the centrality of civil society, the process through which the new family code was passed highlights the crucial institutional role of the monarch, whose individual decision-making power has driven the whole process. Authoritarianism finds itself strengthened in Morocco despite the liberal nature and outcome of the reform.

scholarly journals Introduction to the Special Issue: Soft Power of Civil Society in International Relations

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-476
Author(s):  
TAKASHI INOGUCHI
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Public Opinion ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
International Relations ◽  
Soft Power ◽  
The United States ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Policy Makers

This special issue focuses on the role of civil society in international relations. It highlights the dynamics and impacts of public opinion on international relations (Zaller, 1992). Until recently, it was usual to consider public opinion in terms of its influence on policy makers and in terms of moulding public opinion in the broad frame of the policy makers in one's country. Given that public opinion in the United States was assessed and judged so frequently and diffused so globally, it was natural to frame questions guided by those concepts which pertained to the global and domestic context of the United States.

scholarly journals The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Creating Conflict Resolution through Multicultural Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ahmad Saefudin
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Multicultural Education ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Regional Government ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Peace Activists ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Descriptive Approach

Dermolo as one of the villages in Kembang, Jepara, was ever hit by a conflict under a religious background. This friction involved Islamic and Christian groups. The dispute between the two groups increasingly culminated and seemed to have no end without the presence of the Nation. When the Regional Government of Jepara encountered a deadlock in breaking down this social conflict, the presence of a civil society organization was absolutely necessary. Lakpesdam NU Jepara since 2014 up to now has been trying to extinguish the fire of conflict in Dermolo which was initially triggered by disputes over the use of a worship place. Through a qualitative descriptive approach by utilizing the theory of conflict resolution and multicultural education, this paper finally succeeds in mapping the four multicultural education patterns used by Lakpesdam NU. Those are economic empowerment, religious approaches, empowering women, and empowering village cadres. The result of this academic discourse at the same time provides an alternative methodological offer that can be replicated by the stakeholders of the policy makers, for example the Regional Government and the relevant Regional Apparatus Organization. It can be used as a prototype for civil society organizations and peace activists in settling disputes wrapped in religious sentiment. This kind of inclusive pattern is considered quite successful as a conflict resolution strategy. Lakpesdam NU Jepara is the only institution that has the sympathy of the residents and the Dermolo Government, because it has contributed positively in restoring social harmony between Christian and Islam groups

scholarly journals Introspective cosmopolitanism: The family in the Greek Weird Wave

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitris Eleftheriotis
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Greek Crisis ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Critical Interpretation ◽  
Self Examination

This article reframes the critical discourse around the ‘Greek Weird Wave’ using an approach informed by theoretical work on cosmopolitanism. Focussing on Yorgos Lanthimos’s Dogtooth (2009) and Athena-Rachel Tsangari’s Attenberg (2010), the critical interpretation of the role of the family is radically rethought. I argue that the privileging of allegorical readings of the family in the Weird Wave films constitutes a form of critical denial of the deeply problematic and specifically Greek ways in which the family (dys)functions. I challenge the absolute and exclusive power that the Greek ‘crisis’ holds over interpretations and evaluations of Weird Wave films, which discursively displaces the problems of the family to broader sociopolitical frameworks. In reclaiming the importance of literal readings of the films, I reposition them as manifestations of a specific cosmopolitan disposition, that of introspection, a process of self-examination that overcomes denial. In turn, the critical reframing of the films outlines the contours of a complex agonistics of introspective cosmopolitanism, an inward investigative disposition that is dialectically linked to cosmopolitan positioning. Jean François Lyotard’s 1989 theorization of the oikos (home/house) provides a conceptual model for understanding the family (oikogeneia), which, in its Greek specificities, is central to the films under discussion.

scholarly journals An inclusive and participatory approach to counter-radicalization? Examining the role of Muslim associations in the Swedish policy process

Ethnicities ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146879682093228
Author(s):  
Markus Holdo
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Policy Process ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Policy Area ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Special Responsibilities

Policies on preventing radicalization and recruitment to violent Islamist organizations have been widely criticized for reinforcing negative stereotypes of Muslims as a group. Sweden has stood out by international comparison by announcing an approach built on inclusion and participation, especially with regard to Muslim civil society. But what does it mean to make a policy process inclusive and participatory? How can values of inclusion and participation be combined with efficient implementation and realization of policy goals, especially in a policy area where discourse and practice have tended to reinforce patterns of exclusion and discrimination? This article develops a framework that puts the roles of participants at the center: what expectations, boundaries and capacities come with an invitation to participate? Based on interviews with actors involved in the Swedish policy process, including Muslim civil society leaders, the study suggests that participation, in this case, meant primarily being present, thereby confirming commitment and stakeholder status and contributing legitimacy, and providing instrumental knowledge and communication networks. While Muslim representatives were often not expected to be more involved, some indicated that they themselves hesitated to go beyond these roles for several reasons. They expressed a concern that merely having opinions or critique could be interpreted as ‘radical’ and as not accepting the idea that Muslims as a group should have special responsibilities for preventing radicalism. One way of overcoming such obstacles is through subtle, indirect exercises of influence that allow policy-makers and administrators to anticipate the concerns and interests of affected groups without requiring their direct participation.

Relocating Civil Society: Theories and Practices of Civil Society between Late Medieval and Modern Society

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten F. Van Dijck ◽  
Bert De Munck ◽  
Nicholas Terpstra
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Political Culture ◽  
Voluntary Associations ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Associational Life ◽  
The Public ◽  
Civic Virtues ◽  
The Public Sphere ◽  
The Church

Civil society is widely considered as a crucial element in contemporary society. Academics and policy makers have traditionally associated it with voluntary associations and organizations, assuming that associational life is an ideal intermediary between citizens and government. While members of associations form large social networks, which they can mobilize at critical moments, the conviviality of group sociability fosters the development of a set of common values, such as a democratic political culture and other civic virtues. Its origins are generally situated in the eighteenth century, and are mostly attributed to secularization, Enlightenment thinking, the birth of the “public sphere,” and growing emancipation from oppressive structures such as the church and the state.

scholarly journals The Role Of Mahalla Civil Society Institutes In Increasing The Youth’s Social Activeness In The Family

2020 ◽  
Vol 02 (11) ◽  
pp. 512-515
Author(s):  
Salokhiddinova Gazalkhon Bekmirzayevna ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Labor Unions ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family

This article scrutinizes organizing cooperation among civil society institutions to encourage the social activeness of youth in families, specifically, the activities of mahalla institutions, increasing the youth activeness in mahalla, education establishments, as well as in labor unions, the responsibilities of mahalla in organizing events aiming to develop the patriotism and the awareness of events happening in the country.

scholarly journals The Weeks When Decades Happened: A Theoretical Consideration of the 2011 Egyptian Uprising

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rebekah Anna Jónsdottir Menzies
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Contentious Politics ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Egyptian Revolution ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Authoritarian Breakdown ◽  
Role Of Religion ◽  
Structural Theories

<p>In 2011, the Middle East was plunged into turmoil with a series of popular uprisings ousting a number of long standing dictators. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s 30 year reign was toppled in just over two weeks. This thesis takes a theoretical approach to the Egyptian Revolution, assessing the extent to which the Egyptian case lends support to various theories which consider transitions away from authoritarianism and towards democracy, and the extent to which these theories can assist us in understanding why democracy has not resulted in Egypt. There are a number of strands of theoretical work which consider both transitions away from authoritarianism and towards democracy, and the factors influencing the timing and mode of transition. These include structural theories related to economic modernisation, inequality and crisis; those related to the role of elites and civil society in influencing transitions, whether from above or below; ideas surrounding the diffusion of, and international influences on, democratisation; and arguments considering the role of religion and culture. This thesis argues that theories of authoritarian breakdown garner more support from the Egyptian case than theories of democratisation. Ideas related to the diffusion of contentious politics and international influences on transition, as well as the role of both elites and civil society, garner support from the Egyptian case. Structural theories related to economic conditions, and the role of religion and culture, garner less support from events in Egypt.</p>

Civil Society and the Family

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Muddiman ◽  
Sally Power ◽  
Chris Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Young People ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Intergenerational Transmission ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Dinner Table ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the family and civil society has always been complex, with the family often regarded as separate from, or even oppositional to, civil society. Taking a fresh empirical approach, this book reveals how such separation underestimates the important role the family plays in civil society. Considering the impact of family events, dinner table debates, intergenerational transmission of virtues and the role of the mother, this enlightening book draws on survey data from 1000 young people, a sample of their parents and grandparents, and extended family interviews, to uncover how civil engagement, activism and political participation are inherited and fostered within the home.

Jews, Ukrainians, and Russians in Kiev: Intergroup Relations in Late Imperial Associational Life

Slavic Review ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 475-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natan M. Meir
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Russian Empire ◽  
Voluntary Association ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Interethnic Relations ◽  
Associational Life ◽  
Late Imperial ◽  
Jewish Experience ◽  
The Russian Empire

This article explores the associational life of late imperial Kiev to gauge the extent of Jewish participation in the city's civil society and the nature of interethnic relations in the voluntary sphere. Natan Meir demonstrates that, despite political and societal circumstances that often discouraged positive interactions between Jews and their Russian and Ukrainian neighbors, the voluntary association made possible opportunities for constructive interethnic encounters. These opportunities included a range of experiences from full Jewish integration to a segregation of Jewish interests within the sphere of activity of a particular association. While taking into account the central role of intergroup tensions and hostility in Kiev, Meir notes that the frequency of contacts between Jews and non-Jews was higher than most scholars have assumed. By placing the case of Kiev against the larger framework of the Russian empire as well as other European states, Meir contributes to our understanding of the development of late imperial civil society and of the modern Jewish experience in the late Russian empire and across urban Europe.

Family Matters

Philosophy ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-594
Author(s):  
John Haldane
Keyword(s):  
Common Good ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Parental Authority ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Natural Operation ◽  
Role Of The State ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Common

Governments and international bodies continue to praise the family for its service to the good of individuals and of society. Among its important contributions are the rearing of children and the care of the elderly. So far as the former is concerned, however, the family is subject to increasing criticism and suggestions are made for further state intervention, particularly in the area of education. In response to this challenge I consider the natural operation of the family in relation to the development of children, and examine the implications of this for the role of the state in promoting, protecting or interfering with family life. Relating this to the issue of autonomy I argue that the sort of liberalism that lies behind the increasing criticism of parental authority is unable to find a place for the common good of family because of its commitment to neutrality between life-shaping values. I conclude that the best advice that philosophers might offer to policy makers is to make it possible for families to flourish in the ways they themselves recognise to be best.

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