Structured Post 1-Hayley

Civil society is a collection of actions by citizens to promote a healthy relationship between people and their government. To maintain that healthy relationship, a “limit on state powers” must be made (Spurk 4). This limit is to ensure that public opinion is acknowledged. Spurk has also mentioned that civil society is a public realm that connects the state, business, and family together. It is important to acknowledge that civil society is separated by the government by that fact that CS does not wish to be elected to office (Spurk 8). While the relationship is separated, it is important to notice that the relationship is a scale: when the power of the government is high, the civil society tends to be low, and vice versa. Civil society can be used to increase and develop political participation among citizens.

Civil societies can support the political participation among citizens in many ways. Social movements such as the 1960’s women’s liberation movement and the Arab Spring that affected many MENA countries are all results of civil societies. During the Arab Spring, social networks aided grassroots societies in spreading information. Spurk also reveals that civil societies can bridge social gaps and develop democratic practices within their own system, which supports democratic practices on a larger government scale. When civil societies increase discussion, they promote the desire to get involved politically. In some cases, civil societies are not as effective in promoting change.

In the case of Palestine, civil society has had many challenges. One reason that civil participation is weak is because a lack of knowledge by Palestinians about creating new societal and developmental ideas. Without information, a group of people cannot develop new ideas to increase democracy. Another issue is that informal societies, like grassroots groups, are fighting for power with groups who wish to focus on policy makers instead of the people. Over the years, the power switches between the two, thus making it difficult for civil societies to accomplish goals. Palestinian civil societies tackle challenges like oppression from the Palestinian government, Israeli occupation, and NGOs who receive donations from large nations.  NGOs may receive more support locally, because they are backed internationally, and have the support that local civil groups do not. Although there are many problems facing civil society in Palestine and Israel, it is possible for the civil society to rise in importance and affect change is an area struggling with violence.