'Sometimes, it's not just about the food': The social identity dynamics of foodbank helping transactions.
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| Title: | 'Sometimes, it's not just about the food': The social identity dynamics of foodbank helping transactions. |
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| Authors: | Bowe, Mhairi, Wakefield, Juliet R. H., Kellezi, Blerina, McNamara, Niamh, Harkin, Lydia, Jobling, Rosie |
| Source: | European Journal of Social Psychology. Oct2019, Vol. 49 Issue 6, p1128-1143. 16p. 2 Charts. |
| Subjects: | Attitude (Psychology), Food relief, Group identity, Interviewing, Research methodology, Social stigma, Group process, Thematic analysis, Food security |
| Abstract: | Food insecurity in developed countries has increased rapidly. Research has suggested that stigma may inhibit food‐aid help‐seeking, but has failed to determine how such barriers might be overcome. Adopting a social identity perspective, this study explored the processes involved in food‐aid helping transactions and sought to identify conditions that facilitate positive helping outcomes. Interviews were conducted with 18 clients and 12 volunteers at two English foodbanks, and a theoretically guided thematic analysis was conducted. Two primary themes were identified: 'Here to Help' and 'The Legitimate Recipient'. This article offers a distinct and novel contribution by applying a social identity perspective to foodbank helping transactions, thereby demonstrating how group dynamics and behaviours are integral to these interactions, and by moving beyond the typical 'Social Curse' focus on barriers to help‐seeking to explore how such obstacles may be overcome. Suggestions for addressing stigma‐laden helping transactions and promoting successful delivery of aid are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of European Journal of Social Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Food insecurity in developed countries has increased rapidly. Research has suggested that stigma may inhibit food‐aid help‐seeking, but has failed to determine how such barriers might be overcome. Adopting a social identity perspective, this study explored the processes involved in food‐aid helping transactions and sought to identify conditions that facilitate positive helping outcomes. Interviews were conducted with 18 clients and 12 volunteers at two English foodbanks, and a theoretically guided thematic analysis was conducted. Two primary themes were identified: 'Here to Help' and 'The Legitimate Recipient'. This article offers a distinct and novel contribution by applying a social identity perspective to foodbank helping transactions, thereby demonstrating how group dynamics and behaviours are integral to these interactions, and by moving beyond the typical 'Social Curse' focus on barriers to help‐seeking to explore how such obstacles may be overcome. Suggestions for addressing stigma‐laden helping transactions and promoting successful delivery of aid are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00462772 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/ejsp.2558 |
