Philanthropy on the move: Mobile communication and neoliberal citizenship in China

Abstract

This essay examines the phenomenon of embodied philanthropy on the move, with a focus on the WeRun (weixin yundong, an add-on to Weixin) for charity initiative. It analyzes key features of mobile-enabled micro and handy philanthropy that is at the same time on the move and examines its cultural and political implications on Chinese society. It also critiques embodied philanthropy, which is a market-driven, consumer-empowered, and individualistic form of bodily improvement or engagement in the name of charity. It points out that philanthropy on the move is used as a platform to educate, nurture, and realize neoliberal citizenship, which is managed, sponsored, and aspired by the Chinese state, the private sector, and individuals. It argues that cultivating neoliberal citizenship through micro, individual, and highly mediated activities (via volunteering and handy philanthropy) can displace criticism of the Party-state and disinterest people from participating in social actions on the ground. But it also has the potential to transcend the dichotomies of altruism versus self-interest or state versus society.