Landscapes of voluntarism: New spaces of health, welfare and governance

The appeal of voluntary action as a solution to growing welfare needs in advanced capitalist countries raises important questions about the social impacts and spatial equity of such provision. For the first time, these issues are addressed within a single book. Landscapes of Voluntarism explores the complex relationship between voluntary action, society, and space. The book brings together a collection of new and innovative work by researchers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK—settings where issues of voluntarism and participation have become increasingly important for the development and delivery of social welfare policy. The chapters explore the interactions between voluntarism and a range of issues including governance, health, community action, faith, ethnicity, counselling, advocacy, and professionalization.