Limitations of civic service: critical perspectives

Community, national, and international service policies andprograms exist worldwide. Anecdotally, their prevalence hasincreased dramatically in recent years. Their proliferationindicates a tacit presumption of their positive nature. Whileacknowledging the benefits of these programs, we call attentionto the possible limitations of service, including elitism, stateinterests, and imperialism. We emphasize implications for policy,practice, and research.