Sociální ekonomika a občanský sektor
Social economy and Civil sector

Summary/Abstract: The majority of social scientists agree that there are chief socio/political/economic sectors in any country. Society can be analysed as a product of the public sector (state), as the private sector (market) and as the civil sector (non-governmental and non-profit sector). What distinguishes a civil sector from private and public sectors is the fact that the organisations it includes have been established on the basis of shared values and interests of a group of citizens and of those who support them. These civil organisations are independent of the state and the market, and embrace diverse types of groups, associations, unions and societies. Civil sector is sometimes identified with social economy, which reflects new types and organizational forms of companies. Social economy includes cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations. In the Czech Republic the civil sector comprises of organizations that are non-governmental, private, public-serving, self-governing, and having a voluntary, grass root nature. They cultivate values such as mutual support, benevolence, solidarity, philanthropy, but also participation of citizens in decision-making processes concerning public matters. Civil sector organizations specialising in education, healthcare, social services, culture and leisure and recreation activities are the most numerous ones.

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