Civil Society and Religious Figures in Saudi Arabia - Speech or Presentation Example

Aims: -Much of the literature on political and social reform and legislation, focuses on perspectives and often discounts the mediating role ofcivil society. This research closes this gap in the literature by investigating the mediating role of civil society between the state and society through interviews of leaders of civil organizations (CSOs) and participation in CSOs in Saudi Arabia. -The data collected through interviews and participation in CSOs in Saudi Arabia will be aimed at revealing and understanding the functions CSOs and their leaders perform, how they affect society as a whole, the ruling powers and the effectiveness of these functions. The data will also be collected with a view to obtaining in-depth details illustrating the role played by religious figures, especially in civil society development and their influence on political authority. The research will examine sectarian, regional and tribal identities and the way they affect the civil society. -The rationale for investigating civil society is as follow: To determine the extent to which civil society as a phenomenon exists. To identify the link between political and social goals such as democracy, good governance, social justice and development of civil society. To gain an understanding of why strengthening civil society has always been important to community development. To promote comparative learning among actors in civil society. -Indications of the existence of civil society in Saudi Arabia and will be collected from in the interviews and participation as follows: The sort of current activities and evolution stages of civil society mechanism in Saudi Arabia. Goals, achievements, and developments aspects, needs, sustainability, regulations and framework of the organization. Organizations’ official registration, funding, administration and policies. Its relationship with the government, independency, cooperation, and redlines. Impact of religion, customs and society, economy, internal and external events as factors that affects the dynamics of civil society work. Dissemination of volunteer culture and awareness of civil society ideology. How civil society evaluates social issues, traces public interest, and what sort of topics and recommendations they raise to the state. Women branches of the organization, their roll and activities. Plurality of the society, finding common ground and cooperation between Islamists , liberals and different minorities. Religious figures’ role, contribution, mediation, spreading awareness of the importance of the civic involvement. Intellectual salons as civil society manifestation, elite activities as mediator, influence of activists as change agent, lawyers role as human right defendant and definer of civil society legislation. Definition -Another aim of this dissertation is to pave the way for developing an alternative to Western conceptualization of civil society. This research looks at civil society in a contextual way. -As zayani argued, the concept of civil society must be understood by reference to the political, social and cultural conditions and influences in the region rather than from the Western capitalist perspective. -The existence of civil society in Saudi Arabia cannot be dismissed on the grounds that it is not consistent with Western conditions and expectations for the existence of civil society. I realized that this field needs further research not only to know its current status but to allow individuals to follow self-perceptions in life through regulating their activities within the framework of respect for the restrictions and obligations of civic virtue. In addition, further research is necessary for spreading awareness among organizations and the people who are interested in this arena by learning how to apply the theoretical concept of civil society into practical action for example creating a civil society chart as a guide to all whom concern in this field of work. Reforms -As an authoritarian regime, Saudi Arabia’s civil society acts in restricted space and though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have little influence they have put pressure on the Saudi regime in regards to human rights and empowering women. NGO influence is therefore effective in social reform, while political reform is a purely within the authority and discretion of the government. Still, scatterings of civil society exist in these conditions, but they are by and large, disorganized and lacking in skills for articulating their views and thus are largely ineffective as mediators between the individual and the state. -Scholars have noted that Saudi citizens are not comfortable with restrictions on political participation, public debate and government accountability. Reform demands today are not in terms of Islamizing the state, but rather, modernization in a way that complies with Islamic values and principles. The government is concerned that the limited reforms thus far have not set well with religious establishments and have sought to avoid tensions between the two schools with gradual reform for permanent change. Thus the objective of reform is to change Saudi Arabia into a constitutional state embracing political participation, accountability, social justice, nationalism and economic development within the framework of Sharia law. An area of focus is reforms that empower women. -King Abdullah came to power as a reformer amidst hope that there would be lasting institutional gains in the areas of press freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of association and basic rights. Under King Abdullah’s reign Saudi Arabia did change its trajectory towards womens rights and moved from a very obstinate position toward a position of pushing for greater reforms and more freedoms for women. For example Saudi Arabia opened up educational opportunities for women and also opened up a more workforce opportunities and in fact promoted the right of Saudi women to work in many cases. Now women can rent a hotel room without a male guardianship to approve it, but still cant travel without his permission. -Reducing restrictions on civil society is also on the political reform agenda. In the meantime, religious leaders insist that reform must comply with the Koran and traditions of the Prophet and must not be based on theories and conspiracies of the West. It would therefore appear that religious leaders have taken on the role of mediator between the individual and the state. Through my research, the role of religious leaders in civil society in Saudi Arabia will be made clearer. Political context -Understanding the political system and the socio-economic pattern is vital for determining which course of action should be taken and the kind of policy process, organizations with particular interests and ideas should follow for greater change. Interaction between organizations and social actors through formal and informal gatherings and other ways contribute to the formation of these policies. To engage effectively in the policy formation process they ought to understand the political context. At some point, policymakers cannot proceed with their formal decisions unless and until they have an understanding of societys requirements. Here, the civil society actors play the role of intermediary in conveying the views to the government. While they might not be able to directly affect formal political decisions, there are established channels through which they can make contribute through recommendations. -In my research I will describe a range of tools for understanding and mapping Saudi Arabia’s political context. I will explain why political context matters and how to benefit from understanding it in the reform context. Democracy and civil society -Scholars have sought to understand how effective civil society is as an agent of democratization in Saudi Arabia. My study will demonstrated that democratic manifestation are observable in relatively new civil society organization which provides citizens with an opportunity to seek knowledge of political rights. As such citizens will eventually promote political participation and/or advocate for transparency and accountability. Legislation -According to the International centre of Non Profit Organizations, Saudi Arabia lacks a single unified law to govern civil society organizations. Instead, organizations are subject to a number of different regulations, which govern charitable institutions, labor committees, and cooperative societies. -Associations are legalized on a case-by-case basis by executive fiat or a royal decree; the waiting period can extend for several years and permission is far from guaranteed. My field work will involve visiting government officials in order to gather information on CSO’s registration and regulations. Hypothesis -This study shall test the hypothesis that the role of civil society in Saudi Arabia is much more important and plays a more significant role than is currently acknowledged. -The study is seeking to test three major aspects: -1- the emergence of civil society. -2-the role of religious figures in encouraging social reform and development in the context of Saudi Arabia’s political structure. -3- the contribution of intellectuals in the reform process and development through intellectual salons, media and modern civil society organizations. Theory -This PhD thesis investigates the Saudi civil society in the context of political theory. Through political theory, this study examines the nature of civil society in Saudi Arabia, as well asthe suitability of both existing and proposed civil society theories and the extent to which these theories can be applied in the Saudi context. -Further, this research works towards determining whether these theories can be modified and developed to serve as a guide to people with an interest in this field. -The circumstance of state formation in Saudi Arabia differs from any other country in the region. It may be entirely possible that the Western construct of a distinction between state and civil society may not be relevant in Saudi, in which case a new construct must be devised that explains the relationship between the two in the Saudi context. -In arriving at this new construct, the established theories shall be used as guides to be compared with the Saudi experience and thereafter be accepted or discarded. These include the theories of state formation, modernization, the public sphere, administered society, civil development, authoritarianism, populism, co-optation and coercion. Methodology -The aim of this fieldwork is to collect both primary and secondary qualitative data concerning Civil Society in Saudi Arabia. The secondary data will consist of various studies and reports recorded in the literature. The primary data will be collected from specific selected CEOs of some local and international NGOs operating in Saudi Arabia. -Qualitative research is used for improving our understanding of a social phenomenon through the collection of in-depth data consisting of the experiences and perspectives of those who are or have experienced the phenomenon under investigation. This is accomplished through building and developing concepts and theories in an inductive way as opposed to deductive reasoning applied through quantitative research methods. -By taking this approach, this research takes a diverse and detailed look at social mobilization in Saudi Arabia and provides first-hand knowledge and deeper understanding of the socio-political construct of civil society in Saudi Arabia. -Qualitative methods uses a sampling technique that seeks to obtain data from a specific group or sub-group of a study population. Quantitative research on the other hand, seeks data from a larger population which relies on close-ended instruments such as surveys and questionnaires. Qualitative data involves the collection of in-depth data through open-ended instruments such as interviews, observations/participation or focus group discussions. -Thus a qualitative research method was selected for collecting in-depth data from face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and participation in two of the organizations’ activities and functioning. Participation will not only improve the credibility of this research through personal observations, but will also serve to build trust on the part of the interview participants. - A purposive sampling technique will be used in that participants will be sourced selectively, depending on their ability to respond to the questions posed to them. The sample population include: (1) CEOs of NGOs and other management staff, regarding the difference between their activities and those of the state, and whether they have direct or indirect influence on the state. Further, this group will explain whether their work tallies with the common definition of the term civil society (2) Elites involved in the creation and development of CSOs and have "intellectual salons" or "circles" weekly. (3) Religious figures involved in civil society activities and the creation of NGOs. -The intention of selecting this sample is to provide insight into the role they play in play in the spreading of civil society, as well as in stimulating community involvement. The interviews with this sample will also be used to gain an understanding of the methods and media that they adopt in their quest to influence the Saudi civil society such as social events, the media, social networks among others will be investigated. -In undertaking the interviews, prospective respondents will be identified first, followed by arrangements regarding the place and time for conducting the interviews either directly with the potential interviewees or through other parties that can access the interviewee while considering the respondents’ schedules. -Pursuant to ethical standards of research the selected interviewees will receive notification that they retain the right to withdraw at any point from the interview as well as the assurance of their anonymity. In addition, I will distribute an abstract highlighting the essence of the study and I will go through it again with the participants. Further, I shall inform the participants that the information resulting from the interviews will be kept confidential. I will also seek the respondents’ permission to record the interview. All these provisions will be signed before undertaking the interviews. Duration of the Research Work -The fieldwork should begin in July 2014 through to July 2015. -The fieldwork will be undertaken through Possible Research Limitation. -After completing the interview process I will transcribe the interviews. This will take a two months period. -With the start of the fourth year I will begin the writing period starting with analyzing the transcript of the interviews in the thesis chapters to answer the research questions and hypothesis. -This form of data is relatively new and has not undergone empirical research tests. This may present challenges in the determination of their applicability and accuracy. However, it provides me with an opportunity to update and add to the literature the current status of civil society in Saudi Arabia. Organization of the Dissertation The dissertation will be organized and presented in the following chapters. Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study: This first chapter provides a background of the topic and discusses the Western concept of civil society and a gap in the literature revealing that alternatives to Western concepts of civil society exist. In particular, the concept of civil society in Saudi Arabia will be introduced. This chapter will go on to present a statement of the problem which provides a rationalization for this topic. The chapter will also present the research questions, aim and objectives of the study and the research methodology and conceptual framework. Chapter 2: A Review of Literature. This chapter presents a review of literature on Western concepts of civil society and alternative concepts of civil society. The emphasis in previous studies in this chapter will be centred round civil society in Saudi Arabia. The focus will be Saudi Arabia’s political, religious and social institutions and norms and the influence of religious figures in relation to civil society. Chapter 3: Theories of Civil Society. This chapter examines theories of civil society and identifies Western concepts of civil society and how it is inapplicable to conditions in Third World countries. This chapter will therefore use theory and practical implications as a means of presenting an alternative to Western concepts of civil society. Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis: This chapter presents the results of the qualitative study and an analysis of those results. The identified current activities and evolution states of civil society in Saudi Arabia will be set out. The results will include an identification of the goals, achievements, development, needs, sustainability, regulations and framework of the organizations studied and their relationship with government, independency, co-operation and redlines. The analysis will apply the results of the empirical study to political theory and other theories of civil society and determine the extent to which civil society exist in Saudi Arabia and is an alternative to Western concept of civil society. The core argument in the analysis centres on the role of religious figures and intellectuals involved in CSOs, as change agents mediating between society and state in the context of civil society in Saudi Arabia. Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations: This chapter presents a summary of the research findings and the implications for practice together with recommendations for conceptualizing and improving civil society in Saudi Arabia. In conclusion, -With the articulation of a new construct, the study will formulate a set of actionable principles which shall be recommended to public policy-makers and leaders of socio-civic groups. The recommendations are intended to provide a practical adaptation to the findings and enhance the usefulness of the dissertation, and thereby bridge the divide between theory and actuality in the case of Saudi’s civil society. -Religious leaders or the Ulama will continue to be a vital unifying actor in the relationship between government and the people This research therefore fills an important gap in the literature: the role of religious leaders in civil society mobilization in an Arab context. The literature on civil society is not only focused on Western contexts and concepts, but also directs sparse attention to the role of religious leaders. This is particularly important in the Arab context where Islamic influences are particularly strong, especially in Saudi Arabia. -The measurement of the civil society in Saudi Arabia would be important in ensuring that its activities spread beyond the current fields of religion, professions, culture and social issues to political and other essential issues. However, civil society will need to push for the removal of administrative and legal hurdles that prevent them functioning as effective organizations as they undertake their activities. -The role of the civil society is to implement projects and programs in places and sectors where the government does not have a presence. It involves people in many social events with which most governments do not consider involving themselves. For instance, the civil society actors in Saudi have made efforts towards creating different forums where the citizens and the residents can air their contributions in various areas. Women were more courageous in playing an important role in the push for the recognition of human rights within the country. Despite successive governments trying to reduce the influence of civil society groups within the borders, the Saudi Arabian civil society has made considerable strides over the period of its active existence. Read More