• Civil society development activities

Civil society development activities

Despite the widespread attention given to civil organisations, this paper notes surprisingly little is known about their modus operandi. The idea that they possess general characterisations of a societal action groups, and are usually united by common principles, has sustained widespread consensual views about the potentialities of civil society. Equally conflicts, affinities, hierarchies, and modalities of connections that characterises different types of civil organisations are rarely examined.

This paper looks into the nuances around how civil organisations function. Based on a network analysis conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2002, it examines the distinct logics of action and internal interaction dynamics that organise civil society actors.

Key findings from this study include:

• connectivity between São Paulo-based civil organisations is remarkably diffused
  

• a noted hierarchy, where popular organisations, NGOs, and coordinating bodies occupy central positions. They are privileged by higher capability for action and choice. Peripheral neighbourhood associations, community associations, and service non-profit organisations are dependent upon this group and have limited options for action

• preferential links were found between certain types of organisations. Such links always follow the same direction: from peripheral organisations towards those with more reach and capability for action or, not surprisingly, from privileged organisations to other equally privileged ones.

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