Abstract

The article starts by offering a definition of fake kindness focused on the dissociation between the behavioural components of kindness and the intent to sincerely pay some heed to the needs of others. Using the sociological theory of Pierre Bourdieu this definition is then used to articulate how fake kindness can be conceptualized as a specific form of symbolic violence. Such a view allows explaining how and why the prevalence and effectiveness of fake kindness vary according to microsociological norms and values.