The De-Radicalization of Corporate Social Responsibility

• Published in: Critical sociology 2004, Vol.30 (3), p.669-689
• Main Author: Shamir, Ronen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capitalism; Multinational Corporations; Nongovernmental Organizations; Responsibility; Social Change; Social Responsibility
• ISSN: 0896-9205; 1569-1632
• DOI: 10.1163/1569163042119831

This paper situates the field of action known as “corporate social responsibility” within the theoretical context of global capitalism. I posit that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a field of action that is shaped through the interplay of popular pressures and the response of corporations to such pressures thereof. Specifically, I analyze this field as consisting of a symbolic struggle over the meaning of the term “social responsibility.” I analyze a set of corporate practices relating to CSR and show how they shape the notion of responsibility in ways that diffuse its radical transformative potential. In particular, I look at various corporate strategies designed to prevent the use of law as means for bringing about greater corporate accountability. I also discuss particular agents that mobilize the CSR field. Specifically, I discuss the establishment of corporate-sponsored and corporate-oriented NGOs and analyze the role they play in structuring the CSR field. I designate such organizations as MaNGOs (Market Non-Governmental Organizations) and suggest that such organizations shape notions such as “social responsibility” and “social change” in ways that are amenable to business and employers' concerns.