Description
Book SynopsisPolitical Altruism? deals with participation in political activities aimed at defending the rights of other individuals and groups, such as asylum seekers, immigrant workers, populations of Third World countries, and people whose fundamental human rights are being harmed. Solidarity movements have become an important collective actor in contemporary western societies, yet virtually no scholarly work up to now has addressed them theoretically and empirically. This volume shows why political altruism is better seen as the result of social interactions rather than of a supposedly altruistic outburst. Contributors address the theoretical questions at the core of social movement theory, using country-specific studies including France, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, and the US, while also examining the growing internationalization of solidarity movements, their outcomes and consequences.
Trade Review...the intriguing issues raised by Political Altruism? and its contribution in opening an important debate. * Social Forces *
The principal virtue of Political Altrusim? is that it moves the debate on altruism toward empirical case studies. This does not mean that the book is devoid of theoretical concerns. Quite the contrary. The introductory chapters by Florence Passy and Charles Tilly, and the concluding chapter by Marco Guigni, address the difficulty of defining the concept of altruism. Yet those of us who have a tendency to approach altruism froma a philosophical perspective are reminded that there is much to be learnt from exploring examples of altruism in action. * Political Studies Review *
In defiance of narrow-minded theories in the social sciences—as well as repressive states—citizens around the world continue to take collective action to help others. People take risks on behalf of others less fortunate and try to make the world more just when it would be easier to do nothing. Marco Giugni and Florence Passy have assembled a thoughtful book that explains why, how, and when. This important book will redefine our thinking about self-interest and social movements. -- David S. Meyer, University of California, Irvine
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Part 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Political Altruism and the Solidarity Movement: An Introduction Chapter 4 Do Unto Others Part 5 National Dynamics Chapter 6 Dynamics of Commitment in the Sector Known as "Solidarity": Methodological Reflections Based on the Case of France Chapter 7 Altruism in Voluntary Oganizations: Mobilization and Transformation of Voluntary Action in Italy Chapter 8 Different Issues, Same Process: Solidarity and Ecology Movements in Switzerland Chapter 9 Better Off by Doing Good: Why Anti-Racism Must Mean Different Things to Different Groups Chapter 10 Political Opportunities for Altruism? The Role of State Policies in Influencing Claims-making by British Anti-Racist and Pro-Migrant Movements Part 11 Transnational Dynamics Chapter 12 Situational Effects on Political Altruism: The Student Divestment Movement in the United States Chapter 13 Mobilizing for International Solidarity: Mega-Events and Moral Crusades Chapter 14 From Altruism to a New Transnationalism? A Look at Transnational Social Movements Chapter 15 Solidarity Movement Organizations: Towards an Active Global Consciousness? Chapter 16 Conceptual Distinctions and Concluding Remarks Chapter 17 References
