La Sociedad Civil: Conceptos y Orígenes

II. LA SOCIEDAD CIVIL

• Diversas acepciones: The term "civil society" is commonly understood as one of the great dichotomies, in contrast to the state. Its meaning is defined by, and dependent on, the definition of "state." Civil society is understood as the sphere outside state regulation, while the state is the coactive power in social systems.
• Origins: The concept can be traced back to August Ludwig von Schlözer (1794).
• Central Dichotomy: The term "civil society" is always viewed in relation to the conception of "state," with distinctions between societies lacking central power (civil society without state power), and societies endowed with central power (civil society with state power).
• Contemporary Context: Civil society and state did not have a concrete opposition back then, and a single term sufficed for both concepts. However, there was an internal distinction to be made. The state has a restricted definition as an organ of coactive power that assures the persistence of a great dichotomy.
• Modern Understanding: The notion of civil society implies the existence and affirmation of natural rights independently of the state, as well as the sphere of interpersonal relations that can regulate themselves without external intervention, especially economic relations. Civil society serves to limit the state's sphere of action.
• Influence: The concept of civil society, when used to refer to the sphere of interpersonal relations, has been associated with German authors such as Hegel and Marx. The term "bourgeois society," also used by German authors describes civil society and bourgeoisie together.