The Sociological Analysis of Iranian Scholars Approaches to Western Civil Society

Abstract

The present paper aims to introduce a sociological analysis of components, concepts and aspects of Iranian approaches to civil society. In term of religion, Iranian approaches to civil society are divided into two groups: religious and secular (liberal) approaches. Religious approach is divided into two groups of opponents and proponents of civil society compatibility with religion. Opponents suggests the differences between Islamic society and civil society with respect to freedom, equality, principle of majority, human right, legislation, state, relationship between state and society, plurality, and tolerance. On the hand, proponents emphasize on independent public sphere, non-governmental organizations, pluralism, legality, collective sense, civil rights, rights of minorities, and respect to human dignity. In liberal or secular approach to civil society, civil society has components, aspects and concepts such as non-governmental organizations, social movements, public sphere, public opinion, collective wisdom, free economy and law state, which can be realized in all of societies (religious and non-religious) and is applicable in Iranian society.