The Third Sector as a Job Machine?

The author examines the employment potentials of the German nonprofit sphere of voluntary organizations (Third Sector) in times of tight public budgets and more competitive conditions. The recent results of a nation-wide postal survey show a slowing down of the Third Sector >. However, connecting her empirical results with a thorough analysis of the legal and political conditions for nonprofit organizations (NPOs), the author points out that new job potentials could be created -- provided that specific reforms are undertaken. The outlined policy proposals aim at a greater autonomy of NPOs and a modernized relationship to the state. Beyond drawing a detailed picture of the German Third Sector, the book stimulates the debate on the future role of nonprofit organizations in modern society.