What role does civil society play in communitarianism?

In communitarian philosophy, civil society—often referred to as the "third sector"—plays a vital role in balancing the influence of government and the market. Communitarians argue that this sector, which encompasses families, schools, places of worship, voluntary associations, and nonprofit organizations, is essential for fostering pro-social behavior and discharging social responsibilities.1

Civil society serves as a primary source of informal social controls and norms that encourage individuals to act for the common good, such as caring for children. By cultivating these moral foundations, including trust, civil society provides the necessary environment for both governments and markets to operate successfully.1

This focus on civil society is a hallmark of "soft communitarianism," which emphasizes these social institutions as key agents of influence. This stands in contrast to "hard" or East Asian communitarianism, which typically views the state as the primary social agent. Ultimately, communitarians believe that because individual identity is constructed through social relations, the health of these civil institutions is fundamental to the well-being of both the individual and the community.12