Understanding the Social Economy and the Third Sector fills a significant gap by bringing together a comprehensive range of topics in one resource. Students will gain a working knowledge of the social economy and social capital, illustrated by comparison with the private and public sectors and real-world examples.

1. Why Address the Social Economy
PART I: THE EVOLUTION AND ROLE OF THE SOCIAL ECONOMY
2. The Evolution of the Social Economy
3. Current Perceptions of the Social Economy and the Third Sector
4. Social Enterprise and the Main Components of the Social Economy
5. Present and Future Perspectives
PART II: THE NATURE OF THE SOCIAL ECONOMY
6. Characteristics of Social Enterprises
7. Financing the Social Economy
8. Social Capital: A Vital Enterprise Ingredient
9. Advancing the Social Economy
10. The Impact of the Social Economy