Civil society is the “aggregate of non-governmental organisations and institutions that manifest the interests and will of citizens.” Civil society includes the family and the private sphere, referred to as the “third sector” of society, distinct from government and business. Dictionary.com’s 21st Century Lexicon defines civil society as: 1) The aggregate of non-governmental organisations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens, or 2) Individuals and organizations in a society which are independent of the government.
Volunteering is often considered a defining characteristic of the organisations that constitute civil society which are often called Non-Governmental or Non-Political Organisations (NGOs or NPOs). Most authorities have in mind the realm of public participation in voluntary associations, trade unions and the like, but it is not necessary to belong to all of these to be a part of civil society. (Wikipedia)
The premise of working relations existing between civil society and democratic political organisations was significantly developed by 20th century theorists of the ilk of Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba who believed that the role of political culture (read civic involvement in political decision making) are vital for a thriving democracy. These scholars argued that the civic element of political organisations facilitates better awareness and a more informed citizenry who make better voting choices, participate willingly and openly in
