Foundations of Global Giving

Social scientists have long been interested in the origins of generosity, altruism, and compassion in society. However, a relative handful of studies have looked at the effects of social context on organized charitable activity, particularly from a cross-national perspective. This talk will introduce an ongoing study examining the effects of global and domestic institutions on charitable activity among individuals and organizations in a large number of countries. I situate philanthropic and charitable activity in what world polity scholars have called a ‘global moral order’ that champions virtue and positions voluntary associations, including foundations and charities, as legitimate actors for solving global problems. The first part of the study draws upon survey data to explore why individuals join charitable organizations in 35 countries. The second part of the study turns attention to the growth of philanthropic organizations in more than 100 countries since the 1970s. Results from the study find that models of charitable activity are structured in the culture of world society.