Ethnographies of Volunteering: Providing Nuance to the Links Between Volunteering and Development

Abstract This paper explores how ethnographic approaches to third sector and nonprofit studies allow for context-based understandings of the links between volunteering development. Drawing from our ethnographies in Sierra Leone, Burundi Philippines, we argue that methods could tease out local ideologies practices volunteer work can challenge knowledge monopolies over is understood and, later, transcribed into development policy practice at various levels. The contribution ethnography as a methodology research lies not only in-depth data it generates but also kind ethos disposition requires scholars—providing attention issues power voice leaning unpredictability process.