1999/03/01 by Kerstin Hamann, Paul Christopher Manuel · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Health Professions · #Social Policy and Reform Studies #Social Sciences and Governance #History, Culture, and Society #Civil society #Democracy #Portuguese #Politics #Voluntary association #Democratization #Political science #Political economy #Spanish Civil War #Sociology #Law
paper · doi:10.1080/13608740408539560
openalex publication_date 1999/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Civil society is a frequently understudied, yet crucial actor in transitions to democracy. In Portuguese political history, civil society has traditionally been a marginalized actor. During and immediately after the transition to democracy (1974–76), civil society was unable to develop strong organizations. Yet, while Portuguese civil society played a secondary role during the immediate transition period, voluntary associations and organizations formed and stabilized after 1976, once democratic institutions were established. Thus, even though political institutions were not favourable for the development of a strong civil society for most of Portugal's history, an organized civil society (although still weak) is emerging under the new democratic regime.