The Rewards of Individual Engagement in Volunteering

A Missing Dimension of the Big Society

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4140262
AutoresGeoff Nichols (0000-0002-2477-0865, Management School, University of Sheffield, 9 Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 4DT, England, autor correspondente), Rita Ralston (Manchester Metropolitan University, autor correspondente)
Ano2012
Volume44
Fascículo12
Páginas2974-2987
Data de publicação2012-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEnvironment and Planning A Economy and Space (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0308-518X • E-ISSN: 1472-3409
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1068/a45136
OpenAlexW2019874136
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas31

This paper examines the experience of volunteering in relation to the latent functions of paid work identified by social psychologists. In-depth interviews with fourteen volunteers illustrate the considerable rewards of volunteering, especially in terms of personal status and identity. The common rewards of volunteering and employment challenge the traditional dichotomy between paid and unpaid work. However, the experience of volunteering is context specific, and for some the lack of material benefits will limit its ability to substitute for employment. The promotion of volunteering within the UK Big Society policy could acknowledge its personal benefits, while being mindful that their ability to contribute to a satisfying life is moderated by the individual's circumstances and attitude towards the opportunities volunteering offers

Personal identity · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Self · Social group · Social identity theory · Sociology · Employment and Welfare Studies · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Psychology · Social Policy and Reform Studies · Social Psychology