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Which institutions are included in communitarianism's third sector?
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communitarianism
Chartist demonstration, Kennington Common, 1848; illustration from The Life and Times of Queen Victoria (1900) by Robert Wilson.
In the context of communitarianism, the third sector—often referred to as civil society—comprises the social institutions that exist alongside government and the market. Communitarians emphasize that these institutions are essential for fostering social norms, informal social controls, and the moral foundations, such as trust, necessary for a healthy society.1
The institutions included in this third sector are:
- Families1
- Local and nonresidential communities1
- Voluntary associations1
- Schools1
- Places of worship1
- Foundations1
- Nonprofit corporations1
By focusing on these entities, communitarianism highlights how they influence behavior and encourage individuals to fulfill their social responsibilities, such as caring for children, which are vital for the successful operation of both the state and the economy.1