Civil Society
Civil society is seen as a social sphere separate from both the state and the market. The increasingly accepted understanding of the term civil society organizations (CSOs) is that of non-state, not-for-profit, voluntary organizations formed by people in that social sphere. This term is used to describe a wide range of organizations, networks, associations, groups and movements that are independent from government and that sometimes come together to advance their common interests through collective action. Traditionally, civil society includes all organizations that occupy the 'social space' between the family and the state, excluding political parties and firms. Some definitions of civil society also include certain businesses, such as the media, private schools, and for-profit associations, while others exclude them.
By definition, all such civic groups are nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), in that they are organizations not affiliated with government. However, in practice, the term “NGOs” is used to describe non-profit making, non-violent organizations, which seek to influence the policy of governments and international organizations and/or to complement government services (such as health and education). They usually have a formal structure, offer services to people other than their members, and are, in most cases, registered with national authorities. NGOs vary hugely in their size, scope of activity and goals. They may operate nationally, or internationally, e.g. Oxfam, Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières (all of which are sometimes called international NGOs), or they may be small community-based organizations (CBOs) that aim to mobilize, organize or empower their members, usually in a local area. There are issues of transparency, accountability, and rights of representation around NGOs, particularly international ones.
In practice, state involvement in the funding and establishment of CSOs/NGOs may blur the borders between state and non-state bodies. The line between market and non-market may also be blurred by organizations that are non-profit but closely related to commercial enterprises, such as the Shell Foundation.
Global civil society refers to civil society groups or movements that enjoy support, or operate, in many countries, e.g. global campaigns against landmines or for debt relief. This term also refers to a key phenomenon of the globalization process: citizens in one country acting in support of citizens in another. Global citizen action can take the form of consumer boycotts in wealthier nations in support of people in poorer nations. This reflects the globalization of communications and information, and the increasingly global market.
Consumer sovereignty was originally a neo-classical economic concept. It suggested that consumer preferences should determine the supply of goods and services. Recently, this term has also been used to refer to the idea that consumer action (normally through personal boycotts and media exposure) can influence the actions of companies.
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