In a world of rising economic inequality, exploring factors that contribute to a more equal society is vital. The extent to which people are generous towards those around them can help reduce local...Show moreIn a world of rising economic inequality, exploring factors that contribute to a more equal society is vital. The extent to which people are generous towards those around them can help reduce local inequalities. While previous literature has established a link between economic mobility and preferences for redistribution, the impact on individual giving remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the influence of economic mobility on giving behavior and whether meritocratic beliefs mediate this effect. The sample included 301 participants, predominantly from Global South countries. Participants were randomly assigned to ranks on a 5-rank ladder resembling socioeconomic classes and to conditions of low or high economic mobility. First, participants played a game in which they estimated the number of dots in a picture. Those with high economic mobility could earn 3 points, and those with low economic mobility could earn 1 point per round. In a dictator game, they could indicate how many points they want to give to reach rank. Results showed that the high economic mobility condition had significantly stronger meritocratic beliefs about the estimation game, aligning with the first hypothesis. However, contrary to the second hypothesis, participants in the high economic mobility condition gave significantly more to the ranks below them. Meritocratic beliefs about the estimation game did not mediate the effect. This suggests that inducing high economic mobility seems to increase generosity, particularly towards those with fewer resources. Policymakers and non-governmental organizations should promote high economic mobility to foster generosity in society.Show less
This study focuses on the relationship between giftedness and prosocial giving behaviour. This study examined whether early adolescents give differently towards various targets, whether gifted...Show moreThis study focuses on the relationship between giftedness and prosocial giving behaviour. This study examined whether early adolescents give differently towards various targets, whether gifted early adolescents show more prosocial behaviour than non-gifted early adolescents and whether gifted early adolescents show more prosocial behaviour towards their friends than anonymous people. 117 early adolescents between 9 and 12 years old participated in this study where they participated in a game called the Prosocial Donation Task. In this game, they had to divide 10 coins between themselves and a target (a friend, someone they do not like, an anonymous person, their father and their mother). The results show a significant difference in early adolescents’ giving behaviour, meaning that early adolescents give differently towards varying targets. However, the study found no significant indication that gifted early adolescents give differently than non-gifted early adolescents. Moreover, the study found no significant evidence that gifted early adolescents give differently towards their friend than an anonymous person.Show less
