ABSTRACT
The Swedish third sector's relative size is comparable, in economic terms, to those in other Western countries. However, its composition, the organisation forms traditionally employed, and their mode of operation, deviate from the norms accepted in other industrialised countries. Popular movement organisations played an important role in establishing the Swedish model. Co-operative movements in particular contributed to the economic and social integration of traditional society's marginal groups: the rural and the urban poor, and laid the institutional foundations for the Swedish welfare state. The Swedish traditional division of responsibilities in the employment field acknowledges the role of two, and only two parts: government, as a facilitator of jobs, and 'the Business Community', as an actual creator of jobs. Employment openings, especially in the service branches, or for skilled and semi-skilled industrial workers and artisans have to be created by those concerned. The Swedish social economy has strong roots in the popular movement tradition.
