Pete Alcock
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264829
- eISBN:
- 9780191754036
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264829.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter charts the relationships between the state and the voluntary sector under the 1997–2010 Labour governments. The period inaugurated a new stage in the social welfare role of voluntary ...
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This chapter charts the relationships between the state and the voluntary sector under the 1997–2010 Labour governments. The period inaugurated a new stage in the social welfare role of voluntary action, which has developed since the nineteenth century from leading provision, through complementarity and supplementarity with regards to state welfare programmes in the twentieth century, and into the partnership seen at the start of the twenty-first century. Charting the various initiatives and institutional innovations of these years, the chapter makes the case for a ‘strategic unity’ amongst all the key agents and agencies, who had a collective interest in maintaining and developing the third sector as a space for policy intervention and forward planning. Overall, it demonstrates the significance of adaptation and renewal within the sector, rather than decline or co-option.Less
This chapter charts the relationships between the state and the voluntary sector under the 1997–2010 Labour governments. The period inaugurated a new stage in the social welfare role of voluntary action, which has developed since the nineteenth century from leading provision, through complementarity and supplementarity with regards to state welfare programmes in the twentieth century, and into the partnership seen at the start of the twenty-first century. Charting the various initiatives and institutional innovations of these years, the chapter makes the case for a ‘strategic unity’ amongst all the key agents and agencies, who had a collective interest in maintaining and developing the third sector as a space for policy intervention and forward planning. Overall, it demonstrates the significance of adaptation and renewal within the sector, rather than decline or co-option.
Jane Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199266722
- eISBN:
- 9780191601941
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199266727.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
Presents a comparative overview of non-profit or third-sector organizations in a wider welfare policy and civil society context. It addresses the social, economic, and political developments that ...
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Presents a comparative overview of non-profit or third-sector organizations in a wider welfare policy and civil society context. It addresses the social, economic, and political developments that have made this set of institutions more central to policy debates in developed market economies; in particular, within a broad policy framework known as the Third Way, which, unlike other policy approaches, pays the greatest and most systematic attention to the non-profit sector. The chapter finds that the strength of the Third Way stance toward the non-profit sector is closely related to its weakness: Because its basic perspective towards voluntarism and civil society overlaps significantly with those of neo-liberalism on the one hand, and with approaches in reformed minded post-corporatists countries, its distinct policy thrust is hard to fathom. Indeed, many countries practice some form of ‘third-wayism’ in their search for new policy approaches to modernize the welfare state.Less
Presents a comparative overview of non-profit or third-sector organizations in a wider welfare policy and civil society context. It addresses the social, economic, and political developments that have made this set of institutions more central to policy debates in developed market economies; in particular, within a broad policy framework known as the Third Way, which, unlike other policy approaches, pays the greatest and most systematic attention to the non-profit sector. The chapter finds that the strength of the Third Way stance toward the non-profit sector is closely related to its weakness: Because its basic perspective towards voluntarism and civil society overlaps significantly with those of neo-liberalism on the one hand, and with approaches in reformed minded post-corporatists countries, its distinct policy thrust is hard to fathom. Indeed, many countries practice some form of ‘third-wayism’ in their search for new policy approaches to modernize the welfare state.
Matthew Hilton and James McKay (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264829
- eISBN:
- 9780191754036
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264829.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This book provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long bemoaned the supposed ...
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This book provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long bemoaned the supposed decline of civic life, fretting about its health and its future. In fact, the real story of voluntarism over the last hundred years has not been decline, but constant evolution and change. Whether we use the terms charity, philanthropy, civil society, non-governmental organisations, the third sector or the Big Society, voluntary endeavour is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of British public life. The scholars featured in this collection show how the voluntary sector's role in society, and its relationship with the state, has constantly adapted to its surroundings. Volumtary groups have raised new agendas, tackled old problems in new ways, acted as alternatives to statutory provision and as catalysts for further government action. They have emerged out of citizens' concerns, independent of government, and yet have remained willing to work with politicians of all persuasions. By surveying the sheer extent and diversity of the sector since the start of the First World War, the book demonstrates that voluntarism not only continues to thrive, but is also far larger than any political agenda that may be imposed upon it.Less
This book provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long bemoaned the supposed decline of civic life, fretting about its health and its future. In fact, the real story of voluntarism over the last hundred years has not been decline, but constant evolution and change. Whether we use the terms charity, philanthropy, civil society, non-governmental organisations, the third sector or the Big Society, voluntary endeavour is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of British public life. The scholars featured in this collection show how the voluntary sector's role in society, and its relationship with the state, has constantly adapted to its surroundings. Volumtary groups have raised new agendas, tackled old problems in new ways, acted as alternatives to statutory provision and as catalysts for further government action. They have emerged out of citizens' concerns, independent of government, and yet have remained willing to work with politicians of all persuasions. By surveying the sheer extent and diversity of the sector since the start of the First World War, the book demonstrates that voluntarism not only continues to thrive, but is also far larger than any political agenda that may be imposed upon it.
Matthew Hilton and James Mckay
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264829
- eISBN:
- 9780191754036
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264829.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This introductory chapter provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long ...
More
This introductory chapter provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long bemoaned the supposed decline of civic life, fretting about its health and its future. In fact, the real story of voluntarism over the last hundred years has not been decline, but constant evolution and change. Whether the terms charity, philanthropy, civil society, non-governmental organisations, the third sector or the Big Society are used, voluntary endeavour is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of British public life. Voluntarism not only continues to thrive, but is also far larger than any political agenda that may be imposed upon it.Less
This introductory chapter provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society, surveying the history of voluntarism over the last century. Politicians and commentators have long bemoaned the supposed decline of civic life, fretting about its health and its future. In fact, the real story of voluntarism over the last hundred years has not been decline, but constant evolution and change. Whether the terms charity, philanthropy, civil society, non-governmental organisations, the third sector or the Big Society are used, voluntary endeavour is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of British public life. Voluntarism not only continues to thrive, but is also far larger than any political agenda that may be imposed upon it.
Robin Mansell and W. Edward Steinmueller
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198295570
- eISBN:
- 9780191685149
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198295570.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology, Innovation
The move towards achieving the information society is not without certain consequences, particularly for government taxation, regional development, and employment. Since some analysts would perceive ...
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The move towards achieving the information society is not without certain consequences, particularly for government taxation, regional development, and employment. Since some analysts would perceive this investigation to be looking into the ‘impact’ of the previously illustrated socio-economic and technological changes, a specific aspect of these developments is found to be unavoidable and reliant on the ‘best use’ of technological opportunity. Our examination in this chapter draws attention to the implications of the said changes for the development of skills and the growth experienced by employment. We also explore the relations between the development of information infrastructure and the development of the non-profit sector, referred to as the ‘Third Sector’, while also looking into the initiatives in developing new technology applications and how e-commerce requires changes in the tax revenues collection.Less
The move towards achieving the information society is not without certain consequences, particularly for government taxation, regional development, and employment. Since some analysts would perceive this investigation to be looking into the ‘impact’ of the previously illustrated socio-economic and technological changes, a specific aspect of these developments is found to be unavoidable and reliant on the ‘best use’ of technological opportunity. Our examination in this chapter draws attention to the implications of the said changes for the development of skills and the growth experienced by employment. We also explore the relations between the development of information infrastructure and the development of the non-profit sector, referred to as the ‘Third Sector’, while also looking into the initiatives in developing new technology applications and how e-commerce requires changes in the tax revenues collection.
Hagai Katz
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447308041
- eISBN:
- 9781447311508
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447308041.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
The Israeli Third Sector is particularly large and salient within its national context. Yet, despite The sector’s pivotal role in policy making and implementation in various policy realms, this ...
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The Israeli Third Sector is particularly large and salient within its national context. Yet, despite The sector’s pivotal role in policy making and implementation in various policy realms, this important collective actor was ignored until recently in formal policy analysis and making in Israel. This chapter examines the Third Sector as a target and a participant in policy analysis processes. The main argument is that since 1999 there has been a change in policy analysis and making towards the Third Sector, which was initiated by Academia and Third Sector policy entrepreneurs, and was only partially adopted by government. In this process, intricate relations and tensions between “insiders” and “outsiders” exist. Academics and some Third Sector actors are clearly outsiders, and are treated like such. Other Third Sector actors, such as the quasi-NGO Zionist institutions and philanthropic foundations, are more deeply institutionalized in the policy networks, and can be defined as outsiders-within.Less
The Israeli Third Sector is particularly large and salient within its national context. Yet, despite The sector’s pivotal role in policy making and implementation in various policy realms, this important collective actor was ignored until recently in formal policy analysis and making in Israel. This chapter examines the Third Sector as a target and a participant in policy analysis processes. The main argument is that since 1999 there has been a change in policy analysis and making towards the Third Sector, which was initiated by Academia and Third Sector policy entrepreneurs, and was only partially adopted by government. In this process, intricate relations and tensions between “insiders” and “outsiders” exist. Academics and some Third Sector actors are clearly outsiders, and are treated like such. Other Third Sector actors, such as the quasi-NGO Zionist institutions and philanthropic foundations, are more deeply institutionalized in the policy networks, and can be defined as outsiders-within.
Susan Owen and Robin Kearns
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861346322
- eISBN:
- 9781447302650
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861346322.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Organizations
In New Zealand, during the 1980s and 1990s, the neoliberal ideological drivers of policy resulted in the creation of the purchaser-provider split and the rise of the culture of contracting. These ...
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In New Zealand, during the 1980s and 1990s, the neoliberal ideological drivers of policy resulted in the creation of the purchaser-provider split and the rise of the culture of contracting. These developments had implications for the shape of third sector health organisations at the time. This chapter explores the emergence of organisational adaptation and resistance as two responses to changes in the policy environment among third sector health providers. It discusses the relationship between the New Zealand government and the third sector during the 1990s, to further understand the implications of this ‘hurricane’ for third sector health organisations. It argues that organisational characteristics change with the life cycle of the organisation and the involvement of key individuals, both internally and externally. The functions of third sector organisations have been romanticised both in academic literature and by the state, and these ideals are challenged by the mechanisms of a neoliberalising state. This chapter focuses on New Zealand's third sector health organisations and how they represent a changed landscape of provision. It also focuses on the culture of contracting which fundamentally changed the relations between the third sector and state, and on the voices of some of those most closely involved in the sector itself, organising the narratives around the themes of competition, adaptation, and resistance.Less
In New Zealand, during the 1980s and 1990s, the neoliberal ideological drivers of policy resulted in the creation of the purchaser-provider split and the rise of the culture of contracting. These developments had implications for the shape of third sector health organisations at the time. This chapter explores the emergence of organisational adaptation and resistance as two responses to changes in the policy environment among third sector health providers. It discusses the relationship between the New Zealand government and the third sector during the 1990s, to further understand the implications of this ‘hurricane’ for third sector health organisations. It argues that organisational characteristics change with the life cycle of the organisation and the involvement of key individuals, both internally and externally. The functions of third sector organisations have been romanticised both in academic literature and by the state, and these ideals are challenged by the mechanisms of a neoliberalising state. This chapter focuses on New Zealand's third sector health organisations and how they represent a changed landscape of provision. It also focuses on the culture of contracting which fundamentally changed the relations between the third sector and state, and on the voices of some of those most closely involved in the sector itself, organising the narratives around the themes of competition, adaptation, and resistance.
Meghan Elizabeth Kallman, Terry Nichols Clark, Cary Wu, and Jean Yen-Chun Lin
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040436
- eISBN:
- 9780252098857
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040436.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This book studies third sectors in different parts of the world. The third sector refers to various types of relief and welfare organizations, innovation organizations, public service organizations, ...
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This book studies third sectors in different parts of the world. The third sector refers to various types of relief and welfare organizations, innovation organizations, public service organizations, economic development organizations, grassroots mobilization groups, advocacy groups, and social networks. These include civil society organizations, nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and formal and informal associations. Building on recent work on the origins, dynamics, and effects of civil society across the globe, this book compares the functions, impacts, and composition of the nonprofit sector for six countries: United States, France, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China. This introduction explains the book's approach of using institutional logics to study the third sector, offers new theoretical perspectives on how different types of participation can increase generalized trust and state legitimacy, and considers the impact of neoliberalism and the so-called “New Political Culture” on nonprofits. It also discusses the emergence of New Social Movements and how associational politics might fit into the large picture of political life.Less
This book studies third sectors in different parts of the world. The third sector refers to various types of relief and welfare organizations, innovation organizations, public service organizations, economic development organizations, grassroots mobilization groups, advocacy groups, and social networks. These include civil society organizations, nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and formal and informal associations. Building on recent work on the origins, dynamics, and effects of civil society across the globe, this book compares the functions, impacts, and composition of the nonprofit sector for six countries: United States, France, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China. This introduction explains the book's approach of using institutional logics to study the third sector, offers new theoretical perspectives on how different types of participation can increase generalized trust and state legitimacy, and considers the impact of neoliberalism and the so-called “New Political Culture” on nonprofits. It also discusses the emergence of New Social Movements and how associational politics might fit into the large picture of political life.
Paul Burgess
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861345547
- eISBN:
- 9781447304357
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861345547.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Referring to a study involving four European countries, this chapter assesses the potentials that third-sector initiatives may have for young people who face the risk of exclusion in the transition ...
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Referring to a study involving four European countries, this chapter assesses the potentials that third-sector initiatives may have for young people who face the risk of exclusion in the transition to the labour market. The question ‘ghetto for the disadvantaged or springboard?’ refers to the vulnerable structure of third-sector organisations, which may curtail these positive potentials, although cross-country comparison shows that this vulnerability may be compensated for by supportive legislation. Rather than acting as a ‘job machine’, the third sector serves as an empowering springboard for young people, due to its informal structures.Less
Referring to a study involving four European countries, this chapter assesses the potentials that third-sector initiatives may have for young people who face the risk of exclusion in the transition to the labour market. The question ‘ghetto for the disadvantaged or springboard?’ refers to the vulnerable structure of third-sector organisations, which may curtail these positive potentials, although cross-country comparison shows that this vulnerability may be compensated for by supportive legislation. Rather than acting as a ‘job machine’, the third sector serves as an empowering springboard for young people, due to its informal structures.
Deena White
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861346520
- eISBN:
- 9781447301417
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861346520.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
This chapter studies the state-third sector partnership frameworks. It considers the argument that the signing of the partnership framework agreements between the third sectors and governments needs ...
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This chapter studies the state-third sector partnership frameworks. It considers the argument that the signing of the partnership framework agreements between the third sectors and governments needs to be understood in two ways. First, it should be understood as a shift in welfare administration, and second, it needs to be understood as a step that is usually demanded by the sector. The chapter also argues that the appearance of national-level formal agreements reflects and reinforces the arrival of a new relationship between the welfare states and civil society.Less
This chapter studies the state-third sector partnership frameworks. It considers the argument that the signing of the partnership framework agreements between the third sectors and governments needs to be understood in two ways. First, it should be understood as a shift in welfare administration, and second, it needs to be understood as a step that is usually demanded by the sector. The chapter also argues that the appearance of national-level formal agreements reflects and reinforces the arrival of a new relationship between the welfare states and civil society.
Graham P. Martin
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847427519
- eISBN:
- 9781447305590
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847427519.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
One aspect of the governance changes that took place within the public sector in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries has been an increased role for public and user participation in ...
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One aspect of the governance changes that took place within the public sector in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries has been an increased role for public and user participation in the design, management and evaluation of public services, and a changing role for third-sector organisations. Frequently, the two approaches are closely linked, with third-sector organisations seen as a conduit for the views of users, carers and the public within governance processes. However, the changed role of not-for-profit organisations in public service governance brings with it tensions, many of which are brought into focus by efforts that cast these organisations in the role of conduits for users' views, while at the same time also giving them other, potentially conflicting, roles in managing and delivering services. This chapter examines the threats and opportunities to influential public participation that arise from this situation, illuminating the issues noted in the literature by drawing on insights derived from a longitudinal qualitative study of user involvement in a programme of pilot cancer-genetics services, orchestrated by the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. It highlights the implications of wider changes in welfare governance for service users and activists who seek to carve out a role for user involvement that is influential but also autonomous.Less
One aspect of the governance changes that took place within the public sector in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries has been an increased role for public and user participation in the design, management and evaluation of public services, and a changing role for third-sector organisations. Frequently, the two approaches are closely linked, with third-sector organisations seen as a conduit for the views of users, carers and the public within governance processes. However, the changed role of not-for-profit organisations in public service governance brings with it tensions, many of which are brought into focus by efforts that cast these organisations in the role of conduits for users' views, while at the same time also giving them other, potentially conflicting, roles in managing and delivering services. This chapter examines the threats and opportunities to influential public participation that arise from this situation, illuminating the issues noted in the literature by drawing on insights derived from a longitudinal qualitative study of user involvement in a programme of pilot cancer-genetics services, orchestrated by the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. It highlights the implications of wider changes in welfare governance for service users and activists who seek to carve out a role for user involvement that is influential but also autonomous.
Peter Wells
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420244
- eISBN:
- 9781447301912
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420244.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter provides an assessment of the roles that third-sector organisations operating in deprived neighbourhoods have been given in the community-cohesion agenda. It stresses the need to ...
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This chapter provides an assessment of the roles that third-sector organisations operating in deprived neighbourhoods have been given in the community-cohesion agenda. It stresses the need to understand the complex nature of the third sector. Data from the New Deal for Communities evaluation is used to challenge some of the assumptions about the nature of diversity and attachment in deprived communities and the contribution of third-sector organisations to foster cohesion. The chapter concludes that there is a need for widening the conceptualisation of community-cohesion interventions to cover all of the contributions which third-sector organisations make within local neighbourhoods.Less
This chapter provides an assessment of the roles that third-sector organisations operating in deprived neighbourhoods have been given in the community-cohesion agenda. It stresses the need to understand the complex nature of the third sector. Data from the New Deal for Communities evaluation is used to challenge some of the assumptions about the nature of diversity and attachment in deprived communities and the contribution of third-sector organisations to foster cohesion. The chapter concludes that there is a need for widening the conceptualisation of community-cohesion interventions to cover all of the contributions which third-sector organisations make within local neighbourhoods.
Sue Kenny, Marilyn Taylor, Jenny Onyx, and Marjorie Mayo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447316916
- eISBN:
- 9781447316930
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447316916.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Occupations, Professions, and Work
The third sector is located in what has come to be known as civil society, but both the ‘third sector’ and ‘civil society’ have been subject to contestation and changing emphases. This chapter ...
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The third sector is located in what has come to be known as civil society, but both the ‘third sector’ and ‘civil society’ have been subject to contestation and changing emphases. This chapter begins, therefore, with discussion of the varying approaches to, and uses of the idea of civil society, with reference to specific socio-political contexts. This is followed by consideration of the issues raised by these different approaches. The second part of the chapter introduces the concept of the third sector and the different terminologies associated with the idea of a third sector organisation. It identifies ambiguities and tensions in the study of the third sector organisations and explains how the concept of third sector organisation is used in the book.Less
The third sector is located in what has come to be known as civil society, but both the ‘third sector’ and ‘civil society’ have been subject to contestation and changing emphases. This chapter begins, therefore, with discussion of the varying approaches to, and uses of the idea of civil society, with reference to specific socio-political contexts. This is followed by consideration of the issues raised by these different approaches. The second part of the chapter introduces the concept of the third sector and the different terminologies associated with the idea of a third sector organisation. It identifies ambiguities and tensions in the study of the third sector organisations and explains how the concept of third sector organisation is used in the book.
James Rees and David Mullins (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447322399
- eISBN:
- 9781447322405
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447322399.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Movements and Social Change
This edited collection provides a comprehensive overview of the third (or voluntary) sector role in the delivery of public services in the UK. It covers social enterprise, capacity building, ...
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This edited collection provides a comprehensive overview of the third (or voluntary) sector role in the delivery of public services in the UK. It covers social enterprise, capacity building, volunteering and social value; as well as the sector’s role in specific fields including employment, health and social care, housing and criminal justice. It is the first book to review developments over the New Labour and Coalition period which saw a sustained expansion of the scale and scope of third sector delivery. In this period, the sector was required to respond to new policy challenges such as personalisation, market-based mechanisms of funding allocation and regulation, and an increased focus on rewarding outcomes (payment by results). Drawing on research at the ESRC-funded Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, the book also makes an analytical contribution in charting historical shifts in state, third sector, and market relationships, with a focus on the controversies associated with such shifts.Less
This edited collection provides a comprehensive overview of the third (or voluntary) sector role in the delivery of public services in the UK. It covers social enterprise, capacity building, volunteering and social value; as well as the sector’s role in specific fields including employment, health and social care, housing and criminal justice. It is the first book to review developments over the New Labour and Coalition period which saw a sustained expansion of the scale and scope of third sector delivery. In this period, the sector was required to respond to new policy challenges such as personalisation, market-based mechanisms of funding allocation and regulation, and an increased focus on rewarding outcomes (payment by results). Drawing on research at the ESRC-funded Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, the book also makes an analytical contribution in charting historical shifts in state, third sector, and market relationships, with a focus on the controversies associated with such shifts.
Sue Kenny, Marilyn Taylor, Jenny Onyx, and Marjorie Mayo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447316916
- eISBN:
- 9781447316930
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447316916.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Occupations, Professions, and Work
Over recent decades there has been growing interest in the ways in which citizens can take responsibility for their own destinies as civil society actors. One of the key sites that has been ...
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Over recent decades there has been growing interest in the ways in which citizens can take responsibility for their own destinies as civil society actors. One of the key sites that has been identified as having the capacity for nurturing, as well as for expressing active citizenship, has been the third sector. This book unpacks the contested notions of active citizenship and the third sector and identifies the claims about the varying ways in which the third sector promotes active citizenship. Drawing upon a range of empirical studies from across the globe, the book then explores the diverse responses to global and local economic and political pressures with a view to answering the questions: How far have third sector organisations’ contributions to the promotion of active citizenship been affected - or not - as a result of such factors? And how have third sector organisations in varying contexts been responding to ideological, political and structural challenges? The final section of the book explores opportunities and challenges for the future, identifying a range of ways in which new approaches are being spawned, both locally and beyond, for example, with the development of international networks supported by new digital technologies. The future for the third sector remains uncertain - and contestable, the authors conclude. But despite the challenges involved, they identify the third sector’s continuing potential to promote active citizenship based upon values of equality, social solidarity, human rights and social justice.Less
Over recent decades there has been growing interest in the ways in which citizens can take responsibility for their own destinies as civil society actors. One of the key sites that has been identified as having the capacity for nurturing, as well as for expressing active citizenship, has been the third sector. This book unpacks the contested notions of active citizenship and the third sector and identifies the claims about the varying ways in which the third sector promotes active citizenship. Drawing upon a range of empirical studies from across the globe, the book then explores the diverse responses to global and local economic and political pressures with a view to answering the questions: How far have third sector organisations’ contributions to the promotion of active citizenship been affected - or not - as a result of such factors? And how have third sector organisations in varying contexts been responding to ideological, political and structural challenges? The final section of the book explores opportunities and challenges for the future, identifying a range of ways in which new approaches are being spawned, both locally and beyond, for example, with the development of international networks supported by new digital technologies. The future for the third sector remains uncertain - and contestable, the authors conclude. But despite the challenges involved, they identify the third sector’s continuing potential to promote active citizenship based upon values of equality, social solidarity, human rights and social justice.
Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Terry Nichols Clark
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040436
- eISBN:
- 9780252098857
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040436.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Civil society organizations, nonprofit organizations, national and international nongovernmental organizations, and a variety of formal and informal associations have coalesced into a world political ...
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Civil society organizations, nonprofit organizations, national and international nongovernmental organizations, and a variety of formal and informal associations have coalesced into a world political force. Though the components of this so-called third sector vary by country, their cumulative effects play an ever-greater role in global affairs. Looking at relief and welfare organizations, innovation organizations, social networks, and many other kinds of groups, this book explores the functions, impacts, and composition of the nonprofit sector in six key countries. Chinese organizations, for example, follow the predominantly Asian model of government funding that links their mission to national political goals. Western groups, by contrast, often explicitly challenge government objectives, and even gain relevance and cache by doing so. In addition, the book examines groups in real-world contexts, providing a wealth of political-historical background, in-depth consideration of interactions with state institutions, region-by-region comparisons, and suggestions for how groups can borrow policy options across systems. The book provides a rare international view of organizations and agendas driving change in today's international affairs.Less
Civil society organizations, nonprofit organizations, national and international nongovernmental organizations, and a variety of formal and informal associations have coalesced into a world political force. Though the components of this so-called third sector vary by country, their cumulative effects play an ever-greater role in global affairs. Looking at relief and welfare organizations, innovation organizations, social networks, and many other kinds of groups, this book explores the functions, impacts, and composition of the nonprofit sector in six key countries. Chinese organizations, for example, follow the predominantly Asian model of government funding that links their mission to national political goals. Western groups, by contrast, often explicitly challenge government objectives, and even gain relevance and cache by doing so. In addition, the book examines groups in real-world contexts, providing a wealth of political-historical background, in-depth consideration of interactions with state institutions, region-by-region comparisons, and suggestions for how groups can borrow policy options across systems. The book provides a rare international view of organizations and agendas driving change in today's international affairs.
James Rees and David Mullins
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447322399
- eISBN:
- 9781447322405
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447322399.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Movements and Social Change
The introduction sets out the themes of the book, in particular the recent historical and policy context in the UK. It sets out the book’s overall aim of providing a concise and up-to-date overview ...
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The introduction sets out the themes of the book, in particular the recent historical and policy context in the UK. It sets out the book’s overall aim of providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the third sector’s role in England’s public services. It provides a detailed definition of the third sector, introducing some of the main theories of the voluntary sector. It goes on to outline the key policy context, particularly the important New Labour partnership era. It also scrutinizes the important state-sector relationship at the heart of public service delivery. Finally, it highlights the contents of the book.Less
The introduction sets out the themes of the book, in particular the recent historical and policy context in the UK. It sets out the book’s overall aim of providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the third sector’s role in England’s public services. It provides a detailed definition of the third sector, introducing some of the main theories of the voluntary sector. It goes on to outline the key policy context, particularly the important New Labour partnership era. It also scrutinizes the important state-sector relationship at the heart of public service delivery. Finally, it highlights the contents of the book.
Meghan Elizabeth Kallman, Terry Nichols Clark, Cary Wu, and Jean Yen-Chun Lin
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252040436
- eISBN:
- 9780252098857
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252040436.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter investigates the role of civil society and social capital in the formal development of the third sector worldwide. It starts with a brief overview of civil society and social capital and ...
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This chapter investigates the role of civil society and social capital in the formal development of the third sector worldwide. It starts with a brief overview of civil society and social capital and goes on to consider how civil society works as a dynamic force within the entirety of a political and social experience. It then discusses organizations as integrative mechanisms in social life, with particular emphasis on how associational life and civil society are intertwined with themes of social integration, social capital, and generalized trust. It also examines the institutionalization of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the growth of the third sector in the 1980s and 1990s; the question of effectiveness and evaluation in civil society organizations, especially in the United States; and the tension that arises between the logic of professionalization and other institutional logics such as activism. Finally, the chapter looks at social enterprise as an alternative to the traditional format of the NGO.Less
This chapter investigates the role of civil society and social capital in the formal development of the third sector worldwide. It starts with a brief overview of civil society and social capital and goes on to consider how civil society works as a dynamic force within the entirety of a political and social experience. It then discusses organizations as integrative mechanisms in social life, with particular emphasis on how associational life and civil society are intertwined with themes of social integration, social capital, and generalized trust. It also examines the institutionalization of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the growth of the third sector in the 1980s and 1990s; the question of effectiveness and evaluation in civil society organizations, especially in the United States; and the tension that arises between the logic of professionalization and other institutional logics such as activism. Finally, the chapter looks at social enterprise as an alternative to the traditional format of the NGO.
Leah Bassel and Akwugo Emejulu
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447327134
- eISBN:
- 9781447327158
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447327134.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gender and Sexuality
In this chapter, we explore how the changing politics of the third sector under austerity problematises minority women’s intersectional social justice claims in Scotland, England and France. We begin ...
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In this chapter, we explore how the changing politics of the third sector under austerity problematises minority women’s intersectional social justice claims in Scotland, England and France. We begin by exploring the ‘governable terrain’ of the third sector in each country since the 1990s. As the principle of a ‘welfare mix’ becomes normalised in each country, the reality of having different welfare providers vying for state contracts seems to prompt isomorphic changes whereby third sector organisations refashion themselves in the image of the private sector as a necessity for survival. We then move on to discuss the impact these changes in the third sector are having on minority women’s activism. We analyse how the idea of enterprise has become entrenched within these organisations and how an enterprise culture is problematically reshaping the ways in which organisations think about their mission, practices and programmes of work—especially in relation to minority women. We conclude with a discussion about what the marketisation of the third sector means for minority women. We argue that political racelessness is enacted through enterprise as minority women’s interests are de-politicised and de-prioritised through the transformation of the third sector.Less
In this chapter, we explore how the changing politics of the third sector under austerity problematises minority women’s intersectional social justice claims in Scotland, England and France. We begin by exploring the ‘governable terrain’ of the third sector in each country since the 1990s. As the principle of a ‘welfare mix’ becomes normalised in each country, the reality of having different welfare providers vying for state contracts seems to prompt isomorphic changes whereby third sector organisations refashion themselves in the image of the private sector as a necessity for survival. We then move on to discuss the impact these changes in the third sector are having on minority women’s activism. We analyse how the idea of enterprise has become entrenched within these organisations and how an enterprise culture is problematically reshaping the ways in which organisations think about their mission, practices and programmes of work—especially in relation to minority women. We conclude with a discussion about what the marketisation of the third sector means for minority women. We argue that political racelessness is enacted through enterprise as minority women’s interests are de-politicised and de-prioritised through the transformation of the third sector.
Linda Milbourne
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781847427236
- eISBN:
- 9781447310952
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847427236.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
Voluntary and community organisations have attracted growing interest, as governments pare back the public sphere and welfare spending and locate ‘solutions’ with civil society and the private ...
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Voluntary and community organisations have attracted growing interest, as governments pare back the public sphere and welfare spending and locate ‘solutions’ with civil society and the private sector. This book explores growth and re-shaping in the UK voluntary sector following sweeping reforms to cultures and arrangements in public services, including the spread of welfare outsourcing, associated performance and risk management and shifts towards collaborative governance. Drawing on contemporary social and organisational theory, policy debates and empirical research focused on small voluntary organisations, the book identifies an erosion of trust in cross-sector relationships and an incursion of governmental power into previously autonomous terrain. It questions whether voluntary sector health and survival now depend on re-aligning activities and compromising independent goals and values to state and corporate interests and the spaces that exist for alternatives. Changes in government illustrate continuities and shifts in ideology, strategy and discourse but this book highlights the effects of these on experiences at organisational level, where ambiguity, tensions and contested territory generate unpredictable local outcomes from both compliance and resistance. Many of the issues framing this research and posing dilemmas and hard times for the contemporary voluntary sector have wider relevance and also inhabit public agencies: issues around autonomy; values and approaches around delivering welfare; tensions around local accountability; unmanageable service demands; financial survival; and doing more for less. The book contributes to a growing field of research and offers important reading for scholars and practitioners in organisational study, public policy and voluntary sector domains.Less
Voluntary and community organisations have attracted growing interest, as governments pare back the public sphere and welfare spending and locate ‘solutions’ with civil society and the private sector. This book explores growth and re-shaping in the UK voluntary sector following sweeping reforms to cultures and arrangements in public services, including the spread of welfare outsourcing, associated performance and risk management and shifts towards collaborative governance. Drawing on contemporary social and organisational theory, policy debates and empirical research focused on small voluntary organisations, the book identifies an erosion of trust in cross-sector relationships and an incursion of governmental power into previously autonomous terrain. It questions whether voluntary sector health and survival now depend on re-aligning activities and compromising independent goals and values to state and corporate interests and the spaces that exist for alternatives. Changes in government illustrate continuities and shifts in ideology, strategy and discourse but this book highlights the effects of these on experiences at organisational level, where ambiguity, tensions and contested territory generate unpredictable local outcomes from both compliance and resistance. Many of the issues framing this research and posing dilemmas and hard times for the contemporary voluntary sector have wider relevance and also inhabit public agencies: issues around autonomy; values and approaches around delivering welfare; tensions around local accountability; unmanageable service demands; financial survival; and doing more for less. The book contributes to a growing field of research and offers important reading for scholars and practitioners in organisational study, public policy and voluntary sector domains.
