A Reappraisal of Democracy in Civil Society: Evidence from Rural Senegal
Author(s)
Patterson, Amy S.
Abstract
Supporters of civil society have argued that networks and organisations have helped to fuel democratic aspirations and channel democratic demands in Africa. This article challenges these assumptions about civil society through an examination of rural Senegalese organizations. It is argued that groups in civil society rarely teach their members democratic values because most associations do not practice legitimate, inclusive, and accountable decision making. The inefficient and undemocratic character of civil society has larger implications for democratic transitions in Africa.
