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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.
Introduction
1 Defining civil society elites: theoretical foundations
2 Tracing elites: methods and research design
3 Climbing the ladder: careers, backgrounds, and distance to the grassroots
4 Crossing boundaries: civil society leaders at the nexus of power
5 Comparative patterns of elitisation
6 Values at the top: the ethos and attitudes of civil society elites
Conclusions