ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

Abstract

The meaning of civil society organisations can be best understood in the light of the relationship of civil society with the State as well as the market. In the contemporarymcontext, both State and the market determine the complexion of civil society. This Unit aims at addressing the issues pertaining to the role and domain of civil society organisations in the contemporary ‘governance’ and ‘development’ contexts. It throws light on the problems and constraints in conceptualising their role. The Unit also traces the evolution of the concept of civil society, and tries to give a perspective on the futuristic role of the civil society organisations.