Elites in Civil Society: A Comparative Perspective

Challenging the assumption that civil society is inherently egalitarian, this book investigates the formation of a distinct civil society elite, its integration with political and business leaders, and the paradoxes this presents for a civil society striving to offer a counter balance to society’s power elite. What characterises a civil society elite? How does this elite emerge and interact with elites from politics and business? With these questions, this book challenges the assumption that civil society is inherently egalitarian and shielded from elite formation. Drawing on unique empirical data and combining elite studies with civil society research, the book investigates civil society elite structures in four countries – Italy, Poland, Sweden and the UK. The patterns of elitisation that emerge reveal that a civil society elite is distinctly different from the general civil society constituency. They also show how the civil society elite is integrated with other elite groups of society. The book explores how these patterns can be linked to the institutional and historical backgrounds of civil society in the four countries. It also looks into how integration in wider elite circles may shape the attitudes of the civil society elite towards representation and inclusion, both central civil society values. While we expect that civil society offers a counterbalance to asymmetries of power in society at large, this book shows that investigating the internal power structures of civil society is essential. It is also important to reflect on the paradox of a civil society elite: while such an elite may contribute to advancing social change, it also risks reproducing inequality by distancing civil society organisations from its grassroots, thereby undermining civil society’s democratic promise. Where civil society is often seen as a driving force for equality, this book addresses a challenging topic: civil society elites.Drawing on a comprehensive study of Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK, this ground-breaking research investigates the often-overlooked power structures within civil society. By combining elite studies with civil society research, the book uncovers how a distinct civil society elite emerges and how it interacts with leaders in politics and business.The findings reveal a fascinating paradox. While this elite may be a powerful engine for social change, its integration into wider power circles risks reproducing the very inequalities it seeks to dismantle. By exploring how this elite can become disconnected from its grassroots, the book provides essential insights into the future of civil society and its democratic promise.

Pagina's: 208, Hardcover, Manchester University Press (P648)