We develop an account of societal democratization that synthesizes cultural sociology and deliberative democracy. Cultural sociologists emphasize the symbolic inclusion of marginalized groups into the civil sphere. Deliberative democrats stress growth in the deliberative capacity of society…

A recent conference at Yale University addressed these crucial issues through the lenses of two prominent cultural theories: Civil Sphere Theory (CST) and Civic Action Theory (CAT). These theories, while distinct, both aim to understand and promote democratic engagement and civil solidarity…

The past three and a half decades have witnessed not only transition and tremendous social change in former socialist and communist countries and their civil spheres, but also the emergence of new political dynamics and societal arrangements in a transformation and post- transformation context…

The article illuminates the emotional reaction of a stage-audience encounter between migrant/non-white youth and a white audience born in Sweden while meeting and interacting with content, including the staging of identities, belonging, and experiences of being “other”.

The editorial team of the journal Philosophy and Society is pleased to announce a call for papers for the 2025 Special Issue, dedicated to the topic “Resilience and/or vulnerability of the civil sphere.”

The first Management Committee (MC) meeting of the COST Action CA22165, titled "Redressing Radical Polarisation: Strengthening European Civil Spheres facing Illiberal Digital Media (DepolarisingEU)," was held on November 6, 2023, at the COST premises in Brussels. The meeting aimed to familiarize MC members with COST, establish a common understanding of the Action's challenges and objectives, elect mandatory leadership positions, and discuss the proposal for the Work and Budget Plan…

Work-life pressures on the modern woman shape hair fashions and customs. The ponytail binds hair in practical ways that can echo feminist undercurrents, implying “I’m busy, I’m working, and need my hair OFF my face.” Furthermore, this chapter shows how the ponytail naturalizes women’s presence in male-dominated jobs and roles, and therefore radiates with the social progress of former feminist generations…

Explore the essence of our recent conference with the new image gallery! Our website now hosts a gallery showcasing vibrant moments and insightful discussions from the event, offering a compelling snapshot of the dynamic and diverse experience that was the CST Conference in Heidelberg.

“This essay develops a new theoretical and empirical understanding of the contemporary crisis of American democracy. Between November 3, 2020, and January 7, 2021, President Donald Trump battled to overturn the results of the American presidential election, launching myriad lawsuits and pressuring hundreds of electoral officials…