Social Capital and Generosity: A Multilevel Analysis

• In Event: 350 - Section on Altruism, Morality and Social Solidarity Paper Session. Open Topic on Altruism, Morality and Social Solidarity

Abstract

While much is known about the individual-level predictors of volunteering, charitable giving, and informal helping, less is known about how the characteristics of communities shape generosity. In this paper we assess the predicted effects of both individual and macro-level social capital (social networks and generalized trust) on three forms of generous behavior using the European Social Survey, which provides complete data on over 30,000 respondents in 174 regions in 21 countries. The results suggest that regional-level trust increases volunteering and donating to charities. In addition, regional-level social capital (both in the form of trust and social ties) enhances the effects of individual-level social capital on volunteering and donating. The patterns for informal helping differ considerably.

Authors

• Jennifer Glanville, University of Iowa

• Pamela M. Paxton, University of Texas-Austin

• Yan Wang, University of Iowa