ePrints

‘At least I can do something': the work of volunteering in a community beset by worklessness

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Susan Baines

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Abstract

The voluntary sector has been mainstreamed into public policy with consequences that include more reliance upon the time, commitment and skills of volunteers. In many policy initiatives to combat social exclusion, volunteering is cast as a form of self-improvement and re-training for the workforce. Qualitative research in a disadvantaged community, however, uncovered the persistence of more traditional forms of volunteering associated with mutual support and identification with the needs of others. Policies intended to broaden the base of the volunteer workforce need to recognise and nurture the intrinsic rewards of volunteering.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Baines S, Hardill I

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Social Policy and Society

Year: 2008

Volume: 7

Issue: 3

Pages: 307-317

Date deposited: 14/06/2010

ISSN (print): 1474-7464

ISSN (electronic): 1475-3073

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1474746408004284

DOI: 10.1017/S1474746408004284

Altmetrics

Share