Civil society can be defined as the arena of voluntary and formal collective action beyond the scope of government and the family. This action typically occurs within the boundaries of a country's legal and social framework and it has both public and private dimensions, which include autonomous organisations, ranging from businesses to philanthropic and advocacy groups. Civil society can thus be understood as comprising of the range of organised social interests, from small autonomous groups to large, formal organisations, and all play an important role in the democratisation process. In sum, civil society can be seen as the self-organised sphere of the public life.

See also: citizenship education, indigenous community, global citizenship, economic justice