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The third sector in Scandinavia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Kurt Klaudi Klausen  and
Per Selle
Kurt Klaudi Klausen
Affiliation:
Department Political Science and Public Management, Odense University, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
Per Selle
Affiliation:
Department of Comparative Politics, University of Bergen, and Norwegian Research Centre in Organisation and Management, Bergen, Rosenbergsgate 39, 5015, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract

This article argues that it is possible to identify a particular Scandinavian third sector model. In contrast to what might generally be expected in view of the relatively huge public sectors of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the third sector in this model is neither small nor insignificant. Its constituent traits are rooted in history, in popular movements and in trust-based mutual dependency between third sector organisations and public authorities. Though challenged by recent developments, this model is still a cornerstone of the Scandinavian welfare state.

Résumé

Résumé

L’article postule l’existence d’un modèle scandinave spécifique de secteur associatif. Contrairement à ce que l’on pourrait croire étant donné la relative importance des secteurs publics au Danemark, en Suède et en Norvège, le secteur associatif de ces pays n’est ni petit ni insignifiant. Ses caractéristiques sont le résultat de son histoire, des mouvements populaires et d’une interdépendance fondée sur des relations de confiance entre les organisations de ce secteur et les pouvoirs publics. Malgré des événements récents qui le mettent en cause, ce modèle continue de représenter la clé de voûte de l’Etat providence scandinave.

Zusammenfassung

Zusammenfassung

Der vorliegende Artikel geht davon aus, daß sich ein skandinavisches Modell des dritten Sektors unterscheiden läßt. Entgegen allen Erwartungen angesichts des relativ umfangreichen öffentlichen Sektors in Dänemark, Norwegen und Schweden, ist der dritte Sektor in allen drei Ländern weder klein noch unbedeutend. Die wesentlichen Merkmale dieses Modells sind in geschichtlichen Zusammenhängen, in Massenbewegungen und in wechselseitigen, auf Vertrauen basierenden Abhängigkeiten zwischen Organisationen des dritten Sektors und der öffentlichen Verwaltung begründet. Obgleich neuere Entwicklungen dieses Modell in Frage gestellt haben, erweist es sich dennoch als ein Eckpfeiler des skandinavischen Wohlfahrtsstaates.

Resumen

Resumen

Este artículo sostiene que es posible en realidad identificar un modelo concreto de tercer sector para los países escandinavos. A diferencia de lo que pudiera esperarse generalmente en vista de los relativamante enormes sectores públicas de Dinamarca, Noruega y Suecia, el tercer sector de dichos países no es ni pequeño ni insignificante. Los rasgos integrantes de este modelo tienen sus raíces en la historia, en los movimientos populares y en la dependencia mutua, basada en la confianza, entre las organizaciones del tercer sector y las autoridades públicas. Si bien los cambios acontecidos recientemente han supuesto un reto para dicho modelo, éste todavía constituye una piedra angular del estado benefactor en los países escandinavos.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , June 1996 , pp. 99 - 122
Copyright
Copyright © International Society for Third-Sector Research 1996

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