British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Voluntary Sector in British Society
9.30am - 5.00pm, Friday, 20 March 2009
The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH
A British Academy workshop convened by Professor Pat Thane, FBA, Centre for Contemporary British History, Institute of Historical Research, University of London and by the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary History, University of Birmingham, through its NGOs in Britain project.
Article by Pat Thane in British Academy Review, June 2009 (pdf)
Papers published in 2011 as The Ages of Voluntarism: How we got to the Big Society, edited by Matthew Hilton & James McKay (British Academy Original Paperback)
The workshop will examine the historical role of the British voluntary sector and draw together academics from historical, political science, social policy and sociological perspectives, in order to consider continuity and change in the socio-political role(s) of voluntarism and voluntary association in British society, since the late Victorian period. The day will consist of a series of papers, followed by a round-table discussion.
Particular questions the speakers will address include:
- How has the role and influence of the sector changed over time?
- How far can one see the sector as independent?
- In what ways has the sector contributed to the development/sustaining of democratic participation in Britain?
- Can generalisations be made regarding the social background of those involved in the sector?
- How far do the various labels associated with the sector (voluntary sector, third sector, civil society etc.) contribute to (or inhibit) understanding of the sector and its role?
- In what way(s) should the influence of the sector be conceptualised?
Following the papers, a round-table discussion will consider the issues above, with particular reference to whether or not one can say there has been a ‘Golden Age’ of voluntarism.
Please note our registration and seating policy for this event:
Attendance is free, but registration is required for this workshop, please complete our online booking form.
Please also note that lunch will not be provided, but plenty of time will be allowed for attendees to obtain lunch in the surrounding area. Details of nearby cafes/restaurants are available.
You may also be interested in attending Civil Society in the age of Obama and A decade of Civil Society under New Labour, 5.00-6.30pm, 24 February 2009.