Who among the following sociologists is the first to propound the concept of civil society ?
Adam Ferguson
Antonio Gramsci
Friedrich Hegel
Alexis de Tocqueville
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
– Adam Ferguson (A): Articulated a distinct modern concept of civil society as a realm of commercial life, property, and law.
– Antonio Gramsci (B): Developed a Marxist perspective on civil society, seeing it as a sphere of cultural and ideological hegemony, distinct from but linked to the state, crucial for maintaining ruling class power. His work is significant but later (early 20th century).
– Friedrich Hegel (C): Presented a complex philosophical theory of civil society (bürgerliche Gesellschaft) in his “Philosophy of Right” (1820), placing it as a sphere between the family and the state, based on economic activity and individual needs. His formulation was highly influential but followed Ferguson.
– Alexis de Tocqueville (D): Studied civil society in America in the 1830s, focusing on the importance of voluntary associations for a healthy democracy. His empirical study was crucial but built upon existing ideas.
While the concept evolved significantly through Hegel, Tocqueville, and Gramsci, Ferguson is recognized for his foundational contribution in defining a distinct sphere of civil society in modern thought.