The present essay in which the author seeks to reintroduce some of the main discussions within the social sciences literature on the relationship among state and civil society, and which can contribute for a reflection about social involvement in health policies. In this regard, the focus is on the political dimension proper of this relationship, putting aside - despite its relevance - society's participation on the provision of health services. The main axes of the analysis are the social and political implications in choosing the poverty or inequality perspective; social movements and social rights; and the state/society relationship in a context lacking basic rights. Attention is given to the institutionalization of citizenship within the perspective of justice and social equity in face of the diversity and plurality of contemporary societies, especially the Brazilian, considering the huge social inequalities characterizing it. The last session briefly reviews some of the main features of social participation in Health Councils present in several analyses of this theme, without pursuing an evaluation of this literature regarding its theoretical or methodological features.
Social movements and social rights; Social participation and the public sphere; Establishment of social rights and the new social identities