Meaning less: The curious case of plasma donation

• In Event: 40860 - Section on Economic Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 7. Atypical markets II

Abstract

This study investigates what makes the experience of giving a meaningful one. It does so by examining plasma donation, an activity that could be construed as deeply meaningful but almost never is. We argue that whether someone has a meaningful giving experience is shaped both by the experience of donating and the idea of it. In the case of plasma donation, the experience sends mixed signals to donors. Much of the visit to a plasma-donation center is preoccupied with the mundane and commercial elements of donating. While some aspects of donating are suggestive of the moral significance of the event, they do not dominate the experience or shape it in an appreciable way. Along with the experience of donating, the idea of donating plasma is insufficient to render it unambiguously meaningful. Plasma donation does not feel quite like work, but donors also see it as distant from altruistic acts such as volunteering or giving a charitable donation. We use these observations to reflect on what it is that makes the experience of giving feel meaningful.

Authors

• Travis Daichi Ashby, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Samuel Norton, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Curtis D. Child, Brigham Young University - Provo