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We praise those people who do things for others. But the symbolic power of giving means individuals can take advantage of the glow of 'goodness' that charity provides.
This book analyses the reality of how charity operates in the social world; how the personal benefits of giving and volunteering are vital for getting charitable acts to happen; how the altruism associated with gifts isn't always what it seems; how charity misbehaviour or bad management gets overlooked; and how charity symbols are weaponised against those who don't participate.
Drawing on original data and a novel application of the sociology of Bourdieu, this book examines a wide range of examples from culture, politics and society to provide an entertaining critique of how contemporary charity works.
Introduction
Giving and getting: Using charity’s symbolic power
#humblebrags and the good giving self on social media
Charities, expertise and policy
The kids aren’t alright: The collapse of Kids Company
Poppy fascism
Effective altruism and ignoring charity’s symbolic power
Conclusions: The good glow
Methodological Appendix