Islam, Civil Society and Social Work

Islam, Civil Society and Social Work, Muslim Voluntary Welfare Associations in Jordan between Patronage and Empowerment is a study on Muslim voluntary welfare associations in Jordan. It analyses them mainly from the perspective of civil society theory and pays special attention to the role of religious faith and discourse in their social activities. These organizations are initiated by citizens and reflect their values and convictions. Their activities and discourses serve to an important extent government policy goals such as the preservation of social and political stability and public order. They also help to preserve patterns of patronage. However, patronage does not necessarily rule any kind of socioeconomic and cultural empowerment of underprivileged groups out. Moreover, political sentiments of protest and opposition can play a role under the surface. Therefore, these voluntary associations represent a highly imperfect and frustrated, but nevertheless real, motivated and changing civil society.