Civil society, crisis, and change : towards a theoretical framework

Abstract

This concluding essay frames the actual and potential role of civil society actors in terms of institutional theory, complemented by Gramscian thought. Global finance is conceived as an institutionalized field in need of structural change triggered by institutional entrepreneurs. Reviewing the nature of problems, it becomes clear that only a wide—if probably quite loose— coalition of different actors will effect the necessary profound change. However, no such coalition is in view today. Issues related to power, wealth, and ideology are put forward as a possible explanation. We then explore the relevance of Gramsci’s theory of the ‘modern prince’as a challenger of ‘cultural hegemony’ for a response to these problems. We suppose that civil society actors have a fair chance to accomplish societal reconstruction, provided that they step up the effort in a more coordinated way and take into account the inevitable conflict it will generate.