Description
Book SynopsisThis open access book introduces a groundbreaking concept - civil society elites - and serves as an essential resource for scholars, researchers and students interested in the complexities of power and influence within contemporary civil societies. Through a series of unique empirical studies, the authors offer a comprehensive examination of the individuals occupying the upper echelons of influential civil society organisations and movements. By delving into the factors that propel individuals into key positions and examining the connections between civil society leaders within and across sectors, the book offers insight into the mechanisms that shape access to powerful positions in civil societies. As a reflection of current debates on elites and populism, the book furthermore explores the expression and conceptualisation of counter-elite positions and criticism of civil society elites. With its original approach, the book serves as a catalyst for further research into inequalities, power structures and elites within civil societies.
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Civil society elites – an introduction (Håkan Johansson and Anna Meeuwisse)
Part I Civil society elite composition
Chapter 2: The Danish civil society elite 1910–2020: Continuity, reproduction and integration (Anders Sevelsted and Jacob Lunding)
Chapter 3: Mirroring the masses? A cross-national comparison of civil society elite composition (Jayeon Lee and Roberto Scaramuzzino)
Chapter 4: Organisational, reputational, and visible leaders: A comparison of three approaches to civil society elite identification (
Cecilia Santilli and Roberto Scaramuzzino) Part II Civil society elite reproduction
Chapter 5: Consecrating civil society elites in Europe – examining civil society prizes (Niklas Altermark and Håkan Johansson)
Chapter 6: Elite integration through volunteerism: The case of a New York City Parent-Teacher Association (Andrea Voyer)
Chapter 7: Reproduction of elites in Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Jockey Club (
Pui Chi Lai) Part III Civil society elite integration
Chapter 8: Civil society boundary crossing and elite integration (Malin Arvidson and Anders Uhlin)
Chapter 9: The interstitial elites of the Italian foundations of banking origin (Paola Arrigoni)
Chapter 10: Networks of interlocking leaders among civil society organisations in four European countries: exploring the links and identifying the elites (Jayeon Lee, Daniel Platek and Roberto Scaramuzzino)
Part IV Contestation of civil society elites
Chapter 11: Contestation of civil society elites – targets, sources, and depths in four national contexts (Sara Kalm and Anna Meeuwisse)
Chapter 12: The state as a challenger to civil society elite: the case of Poland (Elżbieta Korolczuk)
Chapter 13: Who gets a seat at the table? Identifying incumbents and challengers in the European Parliament’s civil society consultations on animal welfare (Laura Landorff)
Concluding Remarks
Chapter 14: Michels, Mills, and civil society elites – concluding reflections (Håkan Johansson and Anna Meeuwisse)
