Civil society, cross-national comparisons and the problem of statistical capture

摘要: Since the late 1980s, civil society has come to be regarded as a vital counterpart state and market economy in developing transitional countries, both source of social services, an associational realm which people organise press political claims hold power-holders account. Yet statistical capture contours society, including cross-national comparisons, remains its infancy. This article therefore considers compares three recent indices strength society: 2004 John Hopkins Global Civil Society Index (JHGCSI), 2007 CIVICUS (CCSI), International Social Survey Programme's Citizenship (ISSP-SGC). The resulting analysis points significant remaining challenges meaningful health national societies around world, especially countries. Copyright © 2010 Wiley & Sons, Ltd.