Growing Civil Society: From Nonprofit Sector to Third Space

Philanthropic and Nonprofit Studies

by Jon Van Til

Growing Civil Society explores the role of voluntary action and nonprofit organization in contemporary America. Key to the book is the concept of ""third space"", which provides an important tool for the construction of civil society. The third space is not independent from society's major institutions, but exists in dynamic interdependence with them, linking individuals in their home bases of family and community to the larger governmental and economic structures within which all citizens, workers, and consumers learn to seek their way in modern society. The book is divided into six Part One introduces and maps the third sector. Parts Two, Three, and Four consider the interrelations between the third sector and the other major sectors of government, business, and culture. Part Five considers the role of the third space, to which third sector organizations may importantly contribute in the quest for meaning and justice in social life. Part Six presents a way of looking at building a truly civil society by means of individual and organizational action.

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000