Lessons 9 · 1 lessons · O. Karimova, N. Ismatova, Sh. Sariqov, O. Amanova (methodological editor E. Sariqov). O‘zbekiston davlati va huquqi asoslari (Foundations of the state and law of Uzbekistan), Grade 8. Huquq va Jamiyat publishers, Tashkent, 2019
9
Civil society
Textbook: pp. 48–52
GoalExplain the concept of civil society, its features and main institutions, and show how a citizen can take part in public life.
New words
civil society · fuqarolik jamiyatinon-governmental non-profit organisation · nodavlat notijorat tashkilotiself-government · o‘zini-o‘zi boshqarishmass media · ommaviy axborot vositalari
Explanation
Civil society is a society in which citizens who know their rights and duties and have a moral, legal and political culture organise themselves and manage much of their own affairs within the law, without pressure from the state. Its features are: different forms of ownership and free enterprise, free labour and choice of profession, freedom of speech and information, diversity of opinion, supremacy of law, guaranteed human rights and self-government bodies. Institutions of civil society include political parties, trade unions, non-governmental non-profit organisations, foundations, the mass media, national-cultural centres and citizens’ self-government bodies – the mahalla. Alongside them, state institutions such as the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) also help protect citizens’ rights. In civil society the state and the individual are equal subjects before the law; the state must be under society’s oversight.
Worked examples
A mahalla citizens’ assembly is a self-government body: it discusses local problems (street lighting, people needing help, events). It is not a state office but citizens’ own organisation.
An ecology foundation’s volunteers invite people to clean a riverbank. This is the work of a non-governmental non-profit organisation: the aim is public benefit, not profit. A minor volunteer takes part with parents’ consent and adult supervision.
Class activity
“I am a member of civil society”: each pupil plans one useful thing they can do in class or the mahalla (collecting books, planting a tree, helping younger pupils) and consults an adult.
Practice
1
State three features of civil society.
For example: freedom of speech and information, supremacy of law, developed self-government bodies, different forms of ownership.
2
Give examples of civil society institutions.
Political parties, trade unions, non-governmental non-profit organisations, mass media, the mahalla and foundations.
3
Why is the mahalla considered a citizens’ self-government body?
Because it is organised by citizens themselves by place of residence, and they discuss and resolve their own matters with elected leaders.
4
Why must the state be under society’s oversight in a civil society?
Because the state works for the people’s interest; without oversight power could be abused.