Civil Society Organizations and the Enduring Role of Religion in Promoting Democratic Engagement

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Can’t use the file because of accessibility barriers? Contact us with the title of the item, permanent link, and specifics of your accommodation need.

Date

2018-02

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations

Abstract

As Tocqueville observed the emergence of democracy in the USA, he noted the central role religion played in undergirding democratic life. Nearly 200 years later, it is unclear whether religion continues to possess sufficient capacity to promote democratic engagement. This study links organizational theory with research on the structural and cultural characteristics of civil society organizations (CSOs) to assess the current impact of religion on democracy. It analyzes original data from a national study of politically oriented CSOs to determine whether drawing on structural characteristics of religious congregations and cultural elements of religion helps the organizations promote democratic engagement. The analysis finds a positive relationship between organizations that incorporate structural and cultural forms of religion and their organizing capacity, political access, and mobilizing capacity. These findings suggest that religion, mediated by congregations and religious culture, retains sufficient civic vitality to help politically oriented CSOs foster democratic engagement.

Description

Accepted manuscript, postprint version

Keywords

Citation

Fulton, Brad R. and Richard L. Wood. “Civil Society Organizations and the Enduring Role of Religion in Promoting Democratic Engagement.” Voluntas 29:1068-79.

Journal

Relation

Rights

Type

Article

Collections