This twelve country comparative volume examines the impact of economic structural adjustment programmes upon grassroots civil association and the implications for political liberalisation and democratization in the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The authors take an in-depth look at the impact of economic reform upon women's groups, human rights organisations, social-welfare non-governmental organisations, unions and business associations. They challenge the prevailing assumption that economic reform will automatically lead to greater democratization.