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Interpreting Global Civil Society

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Rupert Taylor
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Abstract

This paper argues that, to date, current research into global civil society suffers from weak description and inadequate theorization. The way forward requires interpreting global civil society as a progressive multiorganization field with innovative network forms and transformative purpose.

Résumé

Résumé

Cet article passe en revue les différentes interprétations du terme «société civile mondiale » Jusqu’à présent la compréhension du terme «société civile mondiale ≫ a souffert d’une faible description et d’une théorisation inadéquate. La façon d’avancer demande plus de descriptions systématiques et le développement d’une théorie au contenu critique.

Zusammenfassung

Zusammenfassung

Dieser Aufsatz diskutiert, was mit dem Begriff „globale Zivilgesellschaft” gemeint ist. Bisher hat das Verständnis „der globalen Zivilgesellschaft” unter der mangelhaften Beschreibung und der unzulänglichen Theoriebildung ihres Gegenstands gelitten. In Zukunft sind eine systematischere Beschreibung und die Entwicklung einer Theorie mit kritischer Intention erforderlich.

Resumen

Resumen

Este artículo examina lo que significa el término “sociedad civil global.” Hasta ahora, el entendimiento de la “sociedad civil global” ha sufrido de una descripción poco convincente y de una teorización inadecuada. El camino a seguir requiere una descripción más sistemática y el desarrollo de una teoría con un propósito crítico.

Keywords

global civil societyinternational nongovernmental organizationssocial movementsmultiorganizational field

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , December 2002, pp. 339 - 347
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 International Society for Third-Sector Research and The Johns Hopkins University

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