Abstract

This article, embedded in Beck's theory of reflexive modernization, concerns the influence of the process of individualization on the solidarity of people, solidarity as it is expressed in the voluntary activities of young people. Two main ideas are developed. Firstly, individualization can be a stimulant for getting involved in voluntary activities. Volunteer work is related to the process of reflexively con structing an identity and biography. When traditional collective identities are no longer available, people are forced into the commercial consumption- and leisure markets to construct their identity. Here is suggested that volunteer work can be an alternative source of identity-building. Secondly, 'new styles of voluntariness' are emerging due to the individualization. 'Traditional' and 'new' volunteers differ in terms of culture; choice of organisation, target of the action and activities; frequency of volunteering and relationship with the beneficiary. Both hypotheses are investigated by means of qualitative research on young volunteers.

How to Cite:

Hustinx, L., (1998) “Jongeren en hun vrijwillig engagement: een nieuwe stijl van vrijwilligerswerk?”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 19(2), 111–147. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86442