Histories of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector

Abstract

Whereas traditional accounts of the evolution of the non-profit and philanthropic sector have tended to concentrate on developments in Western Europe and North America, this exploration of diverse histories of associationalism emphasises their multifarious roots around the world.Exploring the evolution of associationalism in three main aspects -ancient, modern, and transnational -this chapter elucidates the importance of communication across world regions to the historical development of voluntary associations. The chapter concludes with reflections on the contemporary state of associationalism in the light of historical experience.