Global perspectives on volunteerism: Analysing the role of the state, society and social capital
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
ISSN: 0144-333X
Article publication date: 11 July 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of volunteerism in three different case countries, namely, that of USA, UK and China while highlighting the role of the state, society and social capital.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the extant literature on the volunteering traditions in the chosen case study countries highlighting the idiosyncrasies while analysing implications for future research.
Findings
The paper highlights the role of the state, society and social capital in the chosen countries, each deriving its origins from the specific traditions in those countries.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides a conceptual review focusing on the key literature in the field. The authors have examined various academic texts and published materials.
Practical implications
This paper provided an update critically discussion on the concept of volunteerism in three different case countries.
Social implications
This paper is highly relevant to academics and social policy makers. Moreover, this paper has been written from an international context.
Originality/value
The paper makes an original contribution by comparing and contrasting three important countries with different histories and traditions of volunteerism highlighting diversity of type and application.
Keywords
Citation
Halsall, J., Cook, I. and Wankhade, P. (2016), "Global perspectives on volunteerism: Analysing the role of the state, society and social capital", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 36 No. 7/8, pp. 456-468. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-11-2015-0125
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited