Uncover the shifting dynamics of citizen engagement in contemporary democracies. This essential read examines the profound transformation within civil society, analyzing the rise of professionalization and individualized collective action over traditional activism. Understand the new dimensions of democratic participation, from checkbook support to episodic engagement. Crucial for students and scholars of democracy, civil society, politics, and sociology, this book offers a critical perspective on civic action and organizational frameworks, providing valuable insights for understanding global trends relevant to India’s own vibrant civil sphere.