Policy Press Challenging the Third Sector: Global Prospects for Active Citizenship

This is the first book to explore the different relationships between active citizenship and civil society, particularly the third sector within civil society. In what ways can the third sector nurture active citizenship? How have the third sector and active citizenship been constructed and reconstructed both locally and internationally, over recent years? To what extent have new kinds of social connectedness, changing forms of political engagement and increasingly complex social and environmental problems influenced civil society action? Written by experts in the field, this important book draws on a range of theory and empirical studies to explore these questions in different socio-political contexts and will be a useful resource for academics and students as well as practitioners. Review "At a time when the Third Sector globally is facing a perfect (political) storm, this world-leading team of writers analyse the pressures facing it and its uneven responses. They demonstrate that there are no easy ways forward." --Gary Craig, Durham University "A broad and pleasantly written approach of the third sector and civil society in an emancipatory perspective. Recommended for both freshmen in the field and practitioners looking for theoretical refreshment." --Paul Dekker, Professor of Civil Society, Tilburg University, the Netherlands "This valuable new collection, drawing on much empirical evidence, shows how the third sector can be nurtured by active citizenship." --Nicholas Deakin, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, Birmingham University About the Author Sue Kenny is Emeritus Professor in the community and international development program at Deakin University, Melbourne. Her research includes comparative studies of active citizenship, community development and the third sector. Marilyn Taylor is Emeritus Professor at the University of the West of England, UK and Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research. Her research covers community development, neighbourhood governance and voluntary sector policy. Jenny Onyx is Emeritus Professor of community management in the Business School at University of Technology, Sydney. Her research includes social capital, advocacy and community development. Marjorie Mayo is Emeritus Professor of community development, Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research has included learning for active citizenship, locally, nationally and globally.