In recent years there has been a great deal of talk about the social economy and the term "the third way" has attained a level of household recognition, especially in America and Britain. Academics and commentators have debated the usefulness of the social economy as a restraint on capitalist excesses with some arguing that the "third way" is but a poor substitute for a welfare state. This book provides a refreshing and accessible account of real life experience in a social economy. By focusing on new evidence, this book critically analyses such themes as: *the range of academic and policy expectation that have emerged in recent years in the developed world *the policies of New Labour in Britain *the dynamics of social enterprises in Bristol, London, Middlesbrough and Glasgow. These critical assessments lead the authors to reflect in the future potential of the social economy and the possible policy changes that are necessary to maximise whatever opportunity the sector provides. This book's rigorous use and analysis of data will make it popular with academics in the fields of welfare, social and political economics. It's easy-to-follow, accessible style will provide students in these areas with an important tool in understanding contemporary economics, while its recommendations deserve to become required reading for public policy makers and advisors.