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Altruistic Exploitation: Orphan Tourism and Global Social Work

Based on an exhaustive review of the global literature and utilizing an innovative theoretical framework of 'altruistic exploitation', the authors explore the ironic juxtaposition of benefits and harms associated with orphan tourism to the various stakeholders. Volunteers are often exploited in fulfilling their altruistic motives while at the same time engaging in potential exploitation of the very children they aim to serve. The authors further examine social work implications in the policy, practice and research arenas, and provide examples and recommendations in preventing family separation, promoting family-based alternative care, and empowering communities.

Author(s): 
Karen Smith Rotabi, Jini L. Roby and Kelley McCreery Bunkers
Year of Publication: 
2015
Resource Type: 
Journal article - abstract only
Language: 
English
Section: 
Resource Database