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Mediating Structures: Their Organization in Civil Society

Author

Listed:
  • Harris Margaret

    (London, UK)

  • Milofsky Carl

    (Sociology and Anthropology, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Dr., Lewisburg, PA17837-2005, USA)

Abstract

This paper explores a counter-weight to anti-democratic trends suggested by civil society theory: mediating structures (also known as ‘intermediate’ or ‘intermediary’ organizations). We look briefly at the range of ways in which the concept has been used in social science and then focus on literature which employs the concept specifically in the context of debates about sustainable democracy We discern from the theoretical literature four distinct functions said to be performed in democracies by mediating structures and we offer case examples of organizations which perform those functions in the contemporary real world. We conclude by providing pointers to how mediating structures might be identified, supported and sustained in the face of anti-democratic trends today.

Suggested Citation

  • Harris Margaret & Milofsky Carl, 2019. "Mediating Structures: Their Organization in Civil Society," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 10(2), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:nonpfo:v:10:y:2019:i:2:p:11:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/npf-2019-0017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Braun, Dietmar, 1993. "Who Governs Intermediary Agencies? Principal-Agent Relations in Research Policy-Making," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(2), pages 135-162, April.
    2. Sang-Tae Kim & Moon-Gi Jeong, 2014. "Discovering the genesis and role of an intermediate organization in an industrial cluster: focusing on CONNECT of San Diego," International Review of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(2), pages 143-159, April.
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