The term civil-society refers to a network of actors, associations, agencies and institutions operating between the state and the market. Civil society organizations may include religious organizations, professional and trade associations, academic institutions, media groups, etc.

References:

CommDev. 2012. "Glossary of Terms." CommDev Website. Washington D.C.: International Finance Corporation. Available online at: http://commdev.org/glossary-terms [Last Accessed: 22 October 2013].