Introduction to civil society and social policy

The first chapter aims to give an overview of core concepts as well as briefly present the content of the book, including a short description of the individual chapters. It will help readers identify those chapters of specific interest to them while at the same time inform about what is seen as central elements related to the interaction between civil society and social policy. The chapter outlines the understanding of what civil society is, including highlighting that there is no uniform and single definition available for it. It also points out the constant shifting role and discussion of how social policy can best function in interaction with civil society.