Civic Activism as a Novel Component of Armenian Civil Society

Table 4 Civic activism typologies
Personal development (Consciousness) Behavioural development (Action) Impact
- education;
- accumulation of knowledge;
- self-consciousness;
- raise of consciousness
towards claims;
- decision not to be
indifferent;
- civic self-development;
- self-esteem development;
- sense of waking up from
within;
- understanding own rights
and duties;
- appreciation of things;
- understanding the
importance of making
decision/taking position;
- mentality change;
- dissidence;
- development of social
responsibility
- participation;
- speaking out, raising
concerns;
- defending human rights;
- disobedience;
- peaceful resistance;
- change in manners;
- engagement in economic
and political life;
- system of continued
activities;
- act of defending public
interest;
- pointing to issues left out
from governmental agenda;
- informing public about
changes in public policy
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- contribution to society;
- state-building;
- research and analysis;
- public display;
- visibility;
- a way of life;
- independence
One of the main topics of disagreement is whether activism is a permanently cherished
condition and public behaviour or if there is instead a need for it only in response to
governmental wrongdoing. The overwhelming majority of participants approach the concept
through the prism of a problem. There are issues to be resolved, which is why activism will be
visible in a society. If there are no problems, there will be no activism and no need for it. In other
words, activism happens whenever something goes wrong. People stand up to defend their rights
when they are violated. In the words of a participant, “If conditions in a country are ideal, there
is no need for activism.” Activist, Female, 31
Activism is therefore understood as a reaction to certain developments. However, there is an
opposing opinion that is in favour of activism as a normal condition (as opposed to a reaction)
that should be maintained whether under a democracy or a dictatorship. Regardless of
conditions, activism means responsible citizens who constitute the core of a country (even one
with no problems). Activism is therefore understood as a reality outside governmental activities.
It is not a matter of demanding things from the government but rather of being a good citizen. It
is a person who is vigilant in caring about his or her community. There are no problems because
of responsible citizens and a constantly vigilant society. Being responsible is a condition that is
developed over time, a habit on the basis of which a society progresses and registers no
problems. Being reactionary, therefore, is not enough.
Similar deliberation over the divergence of opinions was a recurring subject throughout
the discussions and led the discourse to another level. Is it a functioning democracy that leads to