Voluntourism Myths
What is one stereotype critics often associate with voluntourism, as discussed in "5 Myths About Volunteering Abroad"?
Volunteers are portrayed as young, selfie-obsessed do-gooders with savior complexes.
Which region recorded the highest number of aid worker fatalities in 2023?
Gaza, with 163 fatalities.
According to Patricia Daley, how do celebrities contribute to the commodification of humanitarianism?
By framing crises for public consumption and promoting consumer capitalism through advocacy.
What does the term "humanitarian force multiplier" mean, as described by Sarah Kenyon Lischer?
When humanitarian aid is used to further military and political goals.
What ethical dilemma arises from refugee camps serving dual purposes, as noted in Fiona Terry's analysis?
Camps can both shelter victims and support armed resistance, compromising their neutrality and safety.
Name one negative impact of voluntourism on local economies.
Volunteer labor can take away jobs from locals or create dependency.
What is the primary reason behind the rising risks to aid workers according to the Aid Worker Security Report?
Increased violence from state and non-state actors and shrinking adherence to international humanitarian law.
What is "accumulation by dispossession," and how does it relate to humanitarianism?
The practice of exploiting resources or people for profit, often seen in neoliberal interventions in Africa.
Why is neutrality difficult to maintain during military interventions?
Aid workers operating near military forces are often perceived as aligned with political or military agendas.
Name one major challenge humanitarian organizations face when navigating conflicts.
Balancing advocacy and security without escalating risks to aid workers.
What example does Daniela Papi-Thornton provide to illustrate how well-meaning voluntourism can harm local businesses?
Giving away bikes in developing countries, which hurt local bike sellers.
What are the three most violent contexts for aid workers in 2023, according to the Aid Worker Security Report?
Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan.
What is one criticism of celebrity humanitarianism as discussed by Patricia Daley?
It reinforces stereotypes and racialized ideologies by portraying Western powers as saviors while minimizing African agency.
What are the three types of interaction between military and humanitarian actors identified by Sarah Kenyon Lischer?
Humanitarian soldiers, aid workers as government agents, and the humanitarian placebo.
What ethical conflict arose from Afghan refugee camps being used as both shelters and recruitment bases?
It blurred the line between civilian protection and military support, compromising neutrality and refugee safety.
Name a key intangible benefit of voluntourism that critics often overlook, as discussed in "5 Myths About Volunteering Abroad."
Cross-cultural learning and life changes in volunteers that inspire future responsible living, travel, and giving
What type of incidents are categorized as major attacks on aid workers?
Killings, kidnappings (lasting over 24 hours), serious injuries, and rape/sexual assault.
How does the commodification of humanitarianism align with neoliberal capitalism?
It shifts focus to consumer-driven solutions, privatizes humanitarian aid, and reinforces global power hierarchies.
Why does military involvement in humanitarian work often exacerbate insecurity?
It politicizes aid, undermines neutrality, and creates additional risks for both civilians and aid workers.
What are two reasons humanitarian aid has become increasingly politicized in conflict zones?
Military forces using aid to win hearts and minds. 2) NGOs relying on funding from states involved in the conflicts.
According to "How to Do Voluntourism the Right Way," what are two questions to ask when evaluating a volunteer program?
Does the program involve locals in decision-making? 2) Does it focus on sustainable, long-term benefits for the community?
What global advocacy campaign aimed to curb violence against aid workers, and why has it seen limited success?
The #NotATarget campaign, which has had limited success due to lack of international political will and accountability.
What is "clickism," and how does it undermine effective humanitarian efforts?
Social media-based mobilization that promotes superficial engagement without addressing systemic issues
In what way does the "humanitarian placebo" fail to address real security and humanitarian needs?
Governments deploy humanitarian organizations as a substitute for political or military engagement, failing to address root causes of crises.
What does Fiona Terry mean by the "paradox of humanitarian action"?
Efforts to help can unintentionally perpetuate violence and political manipulation, undermining the core principles of neutrality and impartiality.