Why “Mutual Aid”? – Social Solidarity, Not Charity
openDemocracy, 2020
"Mutual aid" has suddenly entered the collective consciousness as we seek ways to support our friends and neighbours amidst a global pandemic. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has tweeted about it, the New York Times has discussed "so called mutual-aid" networks in major cities, and mutual aid workshops have spread throughout the United States. But often the term is used without ever addressing the question-what is mutual aid? "Social solidarity-not charity," might be the slogan response, but conceptualizing the difference is not easy.