Conceptualizing ethnic civil society. Case studies of Košice, Pecs and Timișoara
Conceptualizing ethnic civil society. Case studies of Košice, Pecs and Timișoara

Summary/Abstract: The paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the topic of civil society in general and ethnic civil society in particular by analysing the ways in which the representatives of ethnic organisations use the terms ‘civic organisation’ or ‘non-profit organisation’ and the term ‘minority (German, Croat, Roma, etc.) organisation’. Based on qualitative interviews made with the representatives of ethnic organisations in Košice (Slovakia), Pecs (Hungary) and Timişoara (Romania) we were able to identify four defining criteria for the term ‘civic organisation’: independence, motivation of leaders and members, state-funding and contact with the community. The term ‘minority organisation’ was primarily based on one characteristic: the activity of the organisation having a vaguely defined ethnic character: e.g. focuses on the cultural heritage, history, engages in community building, or in the case of the Roma social welfare activities. Other aspects are not as important, but may also have relevance, such as the languageof operation, the composition of the target group, membership and leadership.

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