23rd Annual Student Research Conference
Why We Give: An Exploration of the Sociology of Generosity
Lauren N. Johnson
Dr. Elaine McDuff, Faculty Mentor
While spending six months working with a non-profit organization, I became intimately acquainted with the critical role that charitable giving plays in regards to the continuation of social service programs. For this reason, I have decided to explore the social forces involved in charitable giving in an effort to understand what motivates individuals to donate to causes they deem to be worthwhile. This understanding, of the motivation of generosity, is important to grasp as many social service organizations depend heavily on individual donations for survival. Therefore, a clear knowledge of the sociology of giving is paramount to the perpetuity of any organization reliant on the contributions of others.
Keywords: Charitable Giving, Generosity, Non-Profit Management
Topic(s):Sociology/Anthropology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 55-3
Location: MG 1000
Time: 3:15