Organizing Civil Society

Philip D. Oxhorn provides a rigorous academic analysis of social movements and political participation in Organizing Civil Society, Volume 1. This scholarly work examines the emergence of popular organizations among the Chilean urban poor during the Pinochet regime. Through extensive field research and interviews conducted in Chilean shantytowns, Oxhorn explores how these grassroots groups navigate political repression and economic instability. The text investigates the complex relationship between the urban poor and the broader political system, offering a detailed look at the structures of democracy and social movements in Latin America.

The book develops a theoretical framework to understand how popular organizations contribute to the democratization of civil society. Oxhorn analyzes the paradox where political shifts both facilitate and hinder the rise of new social movements. This study serves as a vital resource for those researching Chile politics and government, democracy, and the socio-political dynamics of poor Latin America. It offers significant insights into the intersection of political parties and grassroots activism.