In this episode we explore mutual aid: what is it, why is there so much interest in it right now and how does it relate to charity and philanthropy? Including:
- Defining the distinction between mutual aid and charity
- William Beveridge's thoughts on mutual aid
- Peter Kropotkin and mutual aid as a fundamental element of human nature
- How does mutual aid relate to notions of solidarity and class identity?
- Why has mutual aid historically been so important for marginalised groups such as immigrant communities?
- Medieval mutual aid: the guilds
- Why did mutual aid become so prominent in the 19th century?
- What were the Friendly Societies, why were they important and why are they no longer around?
- How does mutual aid fit in with the post-WWII development of the voluntary sector?
- Why has mutual aid become so prominent as an idea during the pandemic?
- Is this a reflection of the unique circumstances of the pandemic or will it herald any longer-term changes in civil society?
- Does the enthusiasm for mutual aid networks demonstrate an unmet appetite for greater participation in addressing social causes?
- Is there a dark side to mutual aid? Can solidarity become exclusionary?
- Will the growth of mutual aid come at the cost of more traditional charitable giving and volunteering?
- Do mutual aid networks build social capital? If so, is it merely "bonding" social capital or also "bridging"?
- What is the role of technology in making mutual aid networks possible?
- What can we learn from other cultures of giving around the world in which mutual aid is much more prominent?
Related Links
