Leiden University Student Repository

Middelbos, Anje (2020)

Commodifying Global Citizenship in Voluntourism Programs: 'Selling' the Self by 'Helping' the Other?

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This thesis explores how the notion of global citizenship is promoted by the voluntourist organization World Servants. This thesis uncovers the origins of global citizenship as a cosmopolitan ideal, yet also laying bare the (post-colonial) critiques that have been voiced against the practices of cosmopolitanism and global citizenship. By using Hans Schattle (2008) his conceptualization of global citizenship in stages of awareness, responsibility and participation, this thesis examines the promotional materials of the Dutch organization World Servants. This thesis found that the organization is using global citizenship as a commodity which can be obtained by the voluntourists by going on their volunteer trip. The voluntourists can brand or package themselves as global citizens after the volunteer experience, which can be beneficial for them later in life on the labor market or in their personal career.

Cosmopolitanism

Voluntourism

Global Citizenship

Neoliberal branding

Author

Middelbos, Anje

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Culture and Politics

Supervisors

Thakur, Vineet

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en