Civil Society: Gramsci's 'Fortresses and Earthworks'
Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher, used the metaphor of 'fortresses and earthworks' to describe the organizations within civil society. He viewed these institutions (like churches, schools, media, trade unions) as crucial structures that uphold the dominance of the ruling class.
These organizations act as a buffer, protecting the state from direct challenge and shaping societal consent, much like defensive military structures protecting a main fortress. Gramsci emphasized that power in modern states is maintained not just through coercion (the state) but also through consent, built and maintained within civil society.
Key Points:
- Civil Society: Seen as a site of ideological and cultural struggle.
- Metaphor: 'Fortresses and earthworks' represent organizations defending the state's power structure.
- Function: These organizations help gain the consent of the governed, making rule seem natural.
- Contrast: Differs from viewing civil society solely as a space for opposition.
Therefore, Gramsci is the theorist who compares organisations of civil society to a powerful system of 'Fortresses and earthworks' standing behind the state.
The correct option is 4.
Important Questions from Democracy
- Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :
List I
(Concept)List II
(Explanation/Aim)A. Pluralist democracy 1. Power is always exercised by a privileged few B. People's democracy 2. Highest and harmonious development of individual capacities C. Developmental democracy 3. Social equality through common ownership of wealth D. Elitist democracy 4. Capacity of groups to ensure Governmental responsiveness
Code :
A B C D - Which of the following are the defining features of liberal democracy?
1. Constitutional government based on formal, usually legal, rules
2. Guarantees of civil liberties and individual rights
3. It invests political authority with potentially unlimited power
Select the correct answer using the code given below : - Which one among the following is NOT the central feature of Polyarchy ?
- "India has a hallowed place in discussions of democracy...... But it has become less tolerant, less secular, less law-abiding, less liberal. And these two trends - democratization and illiberalism- are directly related". Who writes this ?
Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): Bringing down the influence of the rich and powerful people in making Governmental decision making is the challenge in the concept of 'expansion of democracy'.
Reason (R): People's participation and their control in meaningful, only when influence of the rich is brought down. It results in :Deepening of Democracy".
