New relation between Third Sector and social economy

Abstract

This paper poses some of the points of discussion about the Third Sector nature as a non profit sector, and its identification or not with the concept of social economy. Relevant consideration is that they are forms of economy, different from the market economy, unknown or little known by the society. The Social Economy Spanish Law seeks a better definition of the entities related as well as promoting their development and visibility. Notwithstanding, there remain some resistances in spite of which the Third Sector has known how to professionalize and organize itself along the last years, becoming a sector of economic potential having improved enormously its management and its ability to give a quality and efficient response. Changes in the forms of management due to be made by the Third Sector and the Social Economy in these times of crisis, are not going to alter these entities values of solidarity, social inclusion, public usefulness and social and territorial cohesion, because they constitute part of their nature and principles. One should not forget that the Third Sector has among its main goals that of providing opportunities allowing the social inclusion of those with difficulties to work. Social Economy is regarded as a way to the active insertion of those persons at risk of exclusion and with handicaps to join the normal labour market and exercise their citizen rights.