The Good Glow: Charity and the Symbolic Power of Doing Good

A theoretical exploration into those ‘doing charity’ in relation to the concept’s symbolic influence, and how we can critique contemporary charity works.

Doing charity work is usually seen as a ‘good thing’: socially worthy, a sign of moral value, an exhibition of an individual’s inherent altruism and kindness. But how exactly this symbolic power operates, and what happens when it is misused?

Drawing on the sociology of Bourdieu in novel ways, this book examines a wide range of current and engaging examples from culture, politics and society to explore different experiences of charity and shed new light on their meaning.

At a time when trust in charities and the charitable sector is precarious, this book presents an original analysis and qualitative data to ensure we continue to critique how contemporary charity works, focused on the hidden but always present backstage of charitable activity.