#Resource Civil Society Collectives and ecology.. would be an interesting question to find out about.. How much of our energies naturally divert to the collective hive mind, to others around us? You're reading David Van Reybrouck's Against Elections: The Case for Democracy, a provocative critique of modern electoral systems. Let me break down what you're asking about across those three dimensions. What Is Civil Society? Civil society refers to the collective of non-governmental organizations, community groups, and associations that operate independently of the state and the market. Scholars define it as the "space of societal self-organisation existing between the state, the market and the private sphere"—a realm comprising NGOs, community groups, professional associations, faith-based organizations, social movements, and informal networks that collectively advance citizens' interests and values [source][source]. Its core functions include: Linking the state to ordinary people by delivering services government won't provide Watchdogging political and corporate power, monitoring transparency and accountability Mobilizing collective action for social justice, environmental protection, and democratic participation Unlike commercial interests organized around profit generation, civil society organizations are typically non-profit, mission-driven, and oriented toward the public good. Historical Sway Over Commercial Interests Van Reybrouck argues—and historical scholarship supports—that civil society once held substantially greater influence relative to markets and states. Several factors shaped this balance: Mid-Twentieth Century Peak: Post-WWII, strong labor unions, religious communities, local clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis), and mass party affiliations created dense civic infrastructure. These organizations mediated between individuals and both corporations and governments. As scholar Robert Putnam documented, membership in voluntary associations peaked in the decades following World War II before beginning a marked decline. Rise of Commercial Dominance: Beginning in the latter 20th century, several shifts occurred: Large corporations accrued unprecedented resources and lobbying capacity Political campaigns became increasingly expensive, requiring commercial funding Media landscapes were consolidated under commercial owners, reshaping public discourse Market logic began colonizing spheres previously governed by civic norms According to one analysis, "markets for land, labour and capital...have already been dominant in several cases" throughout history, but the late 20th century saw an intensification where "the intertwining of market dominance with political power eroded the institutional foundations of civil society" [source]. Van Reybrouck specifically contends that elections have become a "market-driven contest" where parties compete like brands rather than representatives of citizen interests, turning politics into a "theatre of empty promises" [source]. This commercialization weakens the linkage between parties and citizens while sidelining civil society's capacity to shape policy substantively. Regaining Civil Society Influence This is the hardest part—and where thinkers diverge considerably. Here are approaches discussed in contemporary literature: Institutional Reforms Van Reybrouck himself proposes sortition—randomly selecting ordinary citizens for decision-making bodies, drawing on ancient Athenian practice. His argument is that deliberative citizens' assemblies could bypass the electoral-commercial complex and give genuine voice to civil society without being captured by moneyed interests or party machines. Some experiments along these lines exist: Ireland's Citizens' Assembly contributed significantly to constitutional reforms on abortion and marriage equality. Strengthening Existing Institutions Labor unions and professional associations: Revitalized worker organizing can rebalance corporate power in economic and political spheres Local civic infrastructure: Community centers, libraries, neighborhood organizations rebuild face-to-face connections that market media undermines Non-partisan advocacy groups: Organizations focused on specific issues (environment, education, housing) can maintain pressure outside election cycles Structural Changes to Money in Politics Some argue for campaign finance reform, public financing of elections, and stricter lobbying regulations to reduce commercial capture of electoral processes. The premise: if elections are less dependent on large donations, candidates become more responsive to actual constituents rather than donors. Digital Infrastructure Emerging thinkers propose rebuilding civic technology—platforms designed for deliberation rather than engagement maximization, tools enabling community coordination without commercial data extraction models. One important caveat worth noting: some empirical research finds "no direct causal link between market activity and individual civic morality," suggesting the relationship may be more complex than simple commercialism-versus-civility framing [source]. Declines in civic participation may stem from multiple overlapping pressures—including suburbanization, dual-income households, time scarcity, and digital fragmentation—not merely commercial domination alone. Van Reybrouck's diagnosis resonates because declining voter turnout, falling party memberships, and rising distrust signal something real has shifted. But solutions likely require multilayered approaches addressing both the overt commercialization of politics AND the quieter erosion of everyday civic habits that sustain healthy democracies regardless of formal electoral mechanics.