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In this article we explore the principal conceptual approaches which have addressed the phenomenon of associations over the last two decades : the non-profit making sector, the social work economy, social enterprises and entrepreneurial social action. Our analysis leads first of all to the observation that these approaches change over time: they reflect the practices in force and in return legitimise these practices. This analysis also permits us to note how these changes produce a blurring of the boundaries, as the boundaries between the categories of economic players become progressively less marked. This blurring is to the disadvantage of an a priori recognition of the particular character of each type of organisation, including the recognition of those of associations.