Introduction

Abstract

In the past years, a phenomenon which is addressed alternatively as civic engagement, civic work, voluntary work or simply volunteering has increasingly attracted the interest of social scientists and policy makers alike. It describes such different activities as the organisation and running of meetings, interest representation in groups such as parochial church councils or trade unions, but also counselling or caring activities. Volunteers work in sports clubs, in the area of health, culture and leisure, in schools and kindergartens, churches and — less often — in political parties or trade unions.