Civil Society Ideas, Interpretations, Transgressions

Civil Society: Ideas, Interpretations, Transgressions is essential to learning about the place and importance of civil society to creating and maintaining a liberal democracy. Edyta B. Pietrzak takes us on a journey of interpretation, addressing the critical role the idea of a civil society has for our world and how it has evolved over time. She uncovers the meanings of theories, clarifies ways of thinking that are sensitive to peculiarities, intermittences, contrasts, or unique things.

Part One introduces the theory and key terms. What is the public sphere and how can it be understood? Is it synonymous with civil society or does it only establish its area of activity? To illustrate how social life has changed over centuries, and its basic components have been experienced and interpreted in various ways.

Part Two represents a collection of interpretations and approaches to the idea of civil society. Pietrzak begins with the traditional Republican interpretation and continues with liberal, Hegelian, sociological and historical-materialistic interpretations, and conclude with modern communitarian and neo-liberal concepts.

Part Three reminds us that civil society is not an abstract concept, not does it exist in a vacuum or out of context. When describing the process of change and transformation of civil society, reference must be made to transgressions. Here we learn about issues such as: Transnational civil society, citizenship and diversity, feminist citizenship, civil society in the era of the Anthropocene to name a few.