Abstract

DIAZ ALDRET, Ana; TITOVA, Elena  and  ARELLANO GAULT, David. Legitimacy and Transparency of Civil Society Organizations in Mexico. Neutral or Interested Actors?. Rev. mex. cienc. polít. soc [online]. 2020, vol.65, n.239, pp.25-60.  Epub Jan 31, 2021. ISSN 0185-1918.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fcpys.2448492xe.2020.239.68646.

Using a random sample of 200 Civil Society Organizations in Mexico, this article studies the degree of clarity which with these organizations report their sources of financing and their basic rules of functioning (i.e., membership). Based on information found online, results show that the degree of transparency in this sense is quite low: few organizations report the persons, organizations, and interests they represent, the way they are financed, and the results they obtain. This article argues for the importance of so-called non-profit organizations becoming more transparent in terms of making their interests and funding sources explicit and public. Other experiences (like the one in USA) seem to show that this transparency is critical for the long-term political and social strength of these organizations.

Keywords : civil society organizations; non-profit organizations; transparency; non-profit organizations funding; interest groups.