Journal of Social Policy · 2004 · 58 citations · 0 references
Human MigrationPublic WelfareSocial ChangeEconomic HistorySocial SciencesForced MigrationPhilanthropySocial Policy ResearchHuman WelfarePublic PolicyCivil SocietyThird Sector StudiesSocial WelfareState FormationRegional PolicyWelfare StateMoving FrontierSociologyPolitical PluralismBusinessVoluntary ActionSocial PolicyPolitical ScienceSocial Responsibility
The article investigates how state formation and voluntary action interact to shape the scope, type, and role of voluntary activities in Denmark. It traces the evolution of voluntary human‑service organisations in Denmark’s social welfare sector over 150 years. Four phases of voluntary‑state relations emerge: a liberal dual model of self‑help, a collaborative public–private partnership, a universalistic welfare state that marginalizes service production but strengthens representation, and a critique‑driven phase that expands civil obligations for voluntary organisations.
This article explores the interplay between state formation and voluntary action in order to describe and understand the changing scope and type of voluntary activities and the varying role of the voluntary sector. It does so by following voluntary human service organisations within the sector of social welfare in Denmark over a period of 150 years. Four different phases of voluntary-state relationships are identified. The first phase of liberal social policy supported a dual model with a strong call for self-help and philanthropic initiatives. The next phase, in which social rights and public responsibility gradually were introduced and expanded, supported a collaborative model with a strong public–private partnership. The third phase, in which the idea of a universalistic welfare state dominated, tended to marginalise voluntary service production but strengthen interest representation. Finally, the fourth phase, in which heavy critique was thrust upon the welfare state, opened up new spaces for voluntary organisations to assume civil obligations.