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How Do We Inhabit Openness?: Rethinking Volunteerism in the Context of Whole Person Education

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  • John Nguyet Erni

Abstract

— In this paper, I aim to advance a reframing of our understanding of “whole persons” in the well-established paradigm of Whole Person Education. At a time characterized by rising social conflicts and schisms, what would be an appropriate humanistic reimagination of a so-called well-rounded person? Drawing on the work of anthropologist Tim Ingold and using youth volunteerism as an exemplar of social practice, I propose the idea that a whole person, if achievable, is someone who inhabits “the open” as an unfolding, interconnecting, vibrant, and enjoyable horizon. Further, it is suggested that this open horizon moves with, and is moved by, strangers. It is hoped that an epistemology of the open that embraces stranger relationality, in the form of volunteerism or any other related social practices, will help us move toward a new whole personhood.

Suggested Citation

  • John Nguyet Erni, 2021. "How Do We Inhabit Openness?: Rethinking Volunteerism in the Context of Whole Person Education," European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, European Open Science, vol. 1(4), pages 72-79, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:epw:social:v:1:y:2021:i:4:id:18106
    DOI: 10.24018/ejsocial.2021.1.4.106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kate Simpson, 2004. "'Doing development': the gap year, volunteer-tourists and a popular practice of development," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(5), pages 681-692.
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