Why do people volunteer? An Examination of Prosocial Behavior
Motivations to volunteer range from empathy to a sense of community.
In the vast theater of human interaction, few acts speak louder to our inherent need for connection than volunteering. Giving one's time, energy, or skills is a choice, expecting no monetary return. But if volunteers do not receive financial compensation, why do people volunteer? The answer lies in understanding prosocial behavior, the desire to help others even at a personal cost. Let's delve deeper into the motivations that propel us toward volunteering and the influential societal forces at play.
At its core, volunteering is a form of prosocial behavior. It is an act that benefits others or society as a whole. When someone volunteers, they prioritize the well-being of others or a community above their own. In this selfless act, they embody empathy, altruism, and cooperation, quintessentially human traits.
These prosocial behaviors have been widely studied across disciplines, including psychology and sociology. Many studies suggest that prosocial behaviors, like volunteering, could be motivated by empathy-altruism, social exchange theory, and a sense of community.
The empathy-altruism hypothesis proposes that people help others because they empathize with them and wish to alleviate their suffering (Batson et. al, 2015). This empathetic concern can prompt a person to volunteer their time and resources to a cause or individual in need. In volunteering, individuals express their compassionate feelings through concrete action, extending a hand of solidarity to their fellow humans.
Meanwhile, the social exchange theory proposes that individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors when they anticipate some form of return, even if it isn't immediately tangible or material (Cook, 2015). In the case of volunteering, the "returns" can be psychological rewards, such as a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment, or personal growth. People may also volunteer for potential social returns like meeting new people, building social networks, or improving societal status.
Finally, a strong sense of community can also motivate prosocial behavior. In his groundbreaking work "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" (2000), Robert Putnam examines the decline of social capital in the United States. He argues that the reduction in all forms of in-person social intercourse undermines active civil engagement, including volunteering. He urges a revival of community bonding, which he sees as a cornerstone of volunteering and prosocial behavior. The theory emphasizes that individuals who feel a strong connection to their communities are more likely to volunteer to contribute to improving their surroundings.
In many ways, Putnam's insights align with the volunteering spirit. When people feel that they are an intrinsic part of a community, they naturally desire to contribute towards its welfare. Volunteering thus serves as a bridge, connecting personal goals with communal well-being.
People volunteer due to a complex interplay of empathy-altruism, social exchange theory, and a sense of community. However, it's also essential to note that these motivations are not mutually exclusive; they often coexist, intertwining in unique patterns in each individual. Moreover, the societal and environmental contexts in which people find themselves can significantly influence these factors, as Putnam's work suggests.
The act of volunteering is a multifaceted manifestation of prosocial behavior that is embedded in our human nature. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, fostering a spirit of volunteering and prosocial behavior could be a powerful way of building more empathetic, supportive, and resilient communities.