A new framework: non-Western perspectives on international volunteering

Polus, Reni; Carr, Neil; Walters, Trudie

Abstract

International volunteering has typically been conceived as a Western sociocultural phenomenon. Within this paper, we aim to apply a non-Western lens to the development of a conceptual framework, through which to consider an alternative perspective on international volunteering. We highlight how, increasingly, non-Western countries are a place that not only hosts international volunteers but also sends volunteers abroad. Using the notions of solidarity, respect and equality, we illustrate the complexities and nuances of what non-Western international volunteering involves. This paper serves as a point of departure for a deeper assessment of the conceptualization of international volunteering from non-Western perspectives that recognize these will be different from Western perspectives, even in an era of globalization partially driven by international volunteering.

Citation

Polus, R., Carr, N., & Walters, T. (2023). A new framework: non-Western perspectives on international volunteering. Annals of Leisure Research, 26(5), 701-715. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2022.2041447

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 31, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Feb 22, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 12, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1174-5398
• Electronic ISSN: 2159-6816
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 701-715
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2022.2041447
• Keywords: Non-Western context, Western-centric, volunteer tourism, solidarity, respect, equality
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3709369