Citizen Aid and Everyday Humanitarianism: Development Futures?

Citizen Aid and Everyday Humanitarianism is an interdisciplinary research that explores small-scale, privately-funded aid initiatives that operate on the margins of the official development sector. The book covers a variety of locations in Asia, Africa, and Europe, presenting empirically grounded cases of citizen aid, ranging from educational development projects to post-disaster emergency relief. It discusses citizen aid in relation to more institutionalized forms of aid, reviews methodological approaches, and queries the political dimensions of these initiatives. The book highlights the importance of personal connections, digital media, and the power imbalances inherent in citizen aid and everyday humanitarianism and suggests that both deserve more systematic attention.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Citizen Aid and Everyday Humanitarianism is a comprehensive interdisciplinary research that explores the multifaceted world of small-scale, privately-funded aid initiatives operating on the fringes of the official development sector. This field, often referred to as citizen aid and grassroots humanitarianism, has witnessed a remarkable surge in activity over the past decade, particularly in response to the growing challenges posed by refugee crises in the Global South and North.

The chapters in this volume present empirically grounded cases of citizen aid from various regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. These cases encompass a diverse range of initiatives, including educational development projects, post-disaster emergency relief efforts, and peer support networks. While some citizen aid activities are initiated by Northern citizens, others are rooted in South-South cooperation, such as Bangladeshi nationals supporting Rohingya refugees or peer support initiatives in the Philippines following typhoon Hayan.

Collectively, the contributions in this volume examine citizen aid in relation to more institutionalized forms of aid, critically evaluate methodological approaches, and raise important questions about the political dimensions of these initiatives. Key themes explored include historical perspectives on "demotic humanitarianism," issues of legitimacy and professionalization, founders' motivations, the role of personal connections, and the significance of digital media for brokerage and fundraising.

By acknowledging the power imbalances inherent in citizen aid and everyday humanitarianism, the authors suggest that both deserve greater systematic attention and recognition. This book will be of immense interest to scholars and professionals working in international development, humanitarianism, international aid, and anthropology. The chapters in this volume were originally published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly, a renowned journal in the field of development studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367554538