Are the Dreamers also Givers?: Investigating whether the interaction between and independent impact of perceived and experienced social mobility influence charitable giving

It is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized that through the meritocratic mechanisms of the American dream, viewing everyone as capable of climbing the social ladder, individuals’ sensitivity towards the needs of the poor is decreased. Given America’s emphasis on the meritocracy, the research aim is of greater interest: whether the interaction between, and independent impact of perceptions and experiences of social mobility, influence charitable giving in the form of donation amount. The study was conducted via a survey on Prolific that sampled American respondents’ perceived and experienced mobility, and the opted donation amount to charity. Non-significant statistical analyses determined the absence of an interaction between these factors. Likewise, perceived social mobility does not correlate with charitable giving, the reasons...Show moreIt is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized that through the meritocratic mechanisms of the American dream, viewing everyone as capable of climbing the social ladder, individuals’ sensitivity towards the needs of the poor is decreased. Given America’s emphasis on the meritocracy, the research aim is of greater interest: whether the interaction between, and independent impact of perceptions and experiences of social mobility, influence charitable giving in the form of donation amount. The study was conducted via a survey on Prolific that sampled American respondents’ perceived and experienced mobility, and the opted donation amount to charity. Non-significant statistical analyses determined the absence of an interaction between these factors. Likewise, perceived social mobility does not correlate with charitable giving, the reasons for which are examined. Significant negative and positive correlations were found between experienced social mobility with: charitable behavior and perceived social mobility. The former is discussed to operate via the ‘hot and cold’ empathy mechanism, and the causality of the latter is explored. The findings of this research deviate from other data but generates novel avenues for further investigation. Additionally, the study highlights substantial experienced downward mobility and a perceived low chance for social mobility in the United States.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Are the Dreamers also Givers? Investigating whether the interaction between and independent impact of perceived and experienced social mobility influence charitable giving