The purpose of this study is to compare the discussions about the constituent parts of the third secotor in America and Europe, concerned with how to understand it as a general theory. Furthermore, this study will make its own definition of The Third ...
The purpose of this study is to compare the discussions about the constituent parts of the third secotor in America and Europe, concerned with how to understand it as a general theory. Furthermore, this study will make its own definition of The Third Sector and offer an answer to what is the social position and function of it.
The general discussion of The Third Sector in Europe defines it as co-operative, friendly benefit society and NPO(non profit organization or association), whereas American researchers include only NPO in the parts of it.
It will be argued in this study that we must basically take European viewpoint and emphasize the important of quality than the pattern of organization. The reason is that the number of organizations accomplishing social benefits will be increasing on and on. Its social position and function can be summarized as follows.
① It contributes to the balance and harmony of societal system which is substituted for the problems in the public sphere, the private sphere and the community. ② It contributes to the achievement of the participation of citizens, social integratoin, liberty and equality, pluralistic values. ③ It contributes to the formation of vitalizing civil society.