Substantial claims are made about the extent and impacts of volunteering, often characterised by limited engagement with research evidence. Volunteering is highly stratified, so whether it can bridge social divisions in an unequal society is questionable. Volunteering may have some benefits for individuals and communities, but these impacts are often marginal; volunteering is not a treatment that can be prescribed with certainty. There is certainly a strong 'spirit of service' evident in the British population, but it requires considerable faith to believe that it can be extended to all. This book provides a comprehensive and original overview of evidence about the patterns and impacts of volunteering, underpinning a novel, but sceptical, assessment of the contributions of voluntary action to British society.

About the Author
John Mohan is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham.

Reviews

This long overdue analysis is a welcome contribution to our understanding of the scope and impact of volunteering. Based upon a wide-ranging review of post-war trends, policies and practice, this thought-provoking critical analysis challenges widely held views on volunteering. It ultimately questions why policy makers and practitioners alike are interested in volunteering - and provides insights into how we might support it in the future. Volunteering shouldn't be taken for granted - and this analysis should inform volunteering policy and practice over the coming decade.
Karl Wilding, University of Kent

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Book Information
ISBN 9781526145529
Author John Mohan
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publisher Manchester University Press