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FC Member Blog

The Fourth Sector

BY Chris RabbFri May 11, 2007 at 11:46 AM
This blog is written by a member of our blogging community and expresses that member's views alone.

In last Sunday's New York Times, the front page story in its SundayBusiness Section addresses the burgeoning "fourth sector".

What is this so-called fourth sector, you ask?

Well, if there are the public, private and non-profit (or "independent") sectors, then this new breed of socially responsible hybrid entities makes up the fourth sector.

The fourth sector apparently is what I have previously alluded to as "social enterprises" or what this article has also referred to as "for-benefit" companies. (Clearly, a marketing guru didn't come up with that moniker.)

While the article is well worth reading and sharing with others, I was left thinking that regardless how noble social entrepreneurs' intentions are, until this new enlightened class of capitalists is truly inclusive and equitably funded, the gaping socio-economic gaps that persist in this divided nation will not soon be closed.

Topics:

Ethonomics, The New York Times Company


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Recent Comments | 4 Total

May 13, 2007 at 2:26pm by Laurinda

Dear Chris

I sugest that you join us at "Social Edge" ... to read more about the 4th Sector, For-Benefits, SE's, and Hybrids.

I run a company called Empowerment Gateway. We have embrased the 4th Sector and the Blended Values methodology. He are in the final stages of an R&D program that has lasted in excess of 4 years.

We are not talking about it ...we are doing it.

The pilots that we have run ... are extremelly positive.

C U at Social Edge

Regards

Laurinda Seabra

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May 14, 2007 at 1:08am by Heathcliff

Thanks for noticing this article... it will likely be buried under yet more "life of a hedge-fund manager puff pieces, but i digress...

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May 31, 2007 at 2:21pm by Adele

I like your comments Chris.....you make a good point about the need for to be "truly inclusive and equitably funded." Alas, this movement in the "Fourth Sector" is an emergent one. It will take a while (and some skill building) for the needed human capacity and social infrastructure to be built. That is the work of my company, Curerre Inc.

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