By Paula Ribeiro
The terms “civic society” and “civil society” are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. Both concepts are important for promoting democracy, social cohesion, and civic engagement, but they approach these goals from slightly different angles.
The term ‘civil society’ has been mainly used in voluntary and non-profit settings, usually operating outside of government control whereas civic activities are more included in a narrative of individual and social responsibility, civic engagement as in the development of a stronger people’s co-responsibility in any economy and society.