ABSTRACT
Much of the literature on civil society assigns a prominent role to the middle classes in nurturing and sustaining civil society. There are, of course, good reasons for this emphasis on the middle class. Historically, the development of active civic organizations and a public sphere outside the control of the state came with the expansion of the market economy and the middle classes. And it is the middle classes that are most likely to possess the kinds of interests, inclinations, and cultural attributes – such as moderation, toler ance for different opinions, liberalism, and communicative skills – which are necessary for maintaining a viable civil society. Furthermore, in many soci eties it is the middle classes that have played a pivotal role in bringing about democracy and defending it against potential threats.
