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Giving Thought

Mutual Aid, Charity & Philanthropy

Feb 9, 2021 · 39 min · 23.5 MB
0:00-39:20

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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?

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