From altruism to sociality: a switch in perception

Dean, Hartley (2023) From altruism to sociality: a switch in perception. International Journal of Social Welfare, 32 (2). 256 - 267. ISSN 1369-6866

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Abstract

The article critically reviews concepts and uses of the term altruism in relation to the emergence of the capitalist welfare state. It argues that altruism may be regarded as a fetishized representation of ‘sociality’ and that notions of altruism tend to obscure or distort understandings of the essential social interdependence that characterises humanity as a species. The article reaches back to anthropological evidence, to religious and philosophical influences, and to insights from scientific inquiry and it makes a case for a humanistic switch in perspective within the study of social policy.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14682397
Additional Information:	© 2022 Akademikerförbundet SSR (ASSR) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Divisions:	Social Policy
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2022 09:54
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2025 21:09
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/115643

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