Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
08:01
Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
6.1K
Charitable giving and reflexive individuals: How personal reflexivity mediates between structure and agency
1School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
Social Sciences Information. Information Sur Les Sciences Sociales
|February 25, 2017
Summary
Charitable giving is shaped by individual reflexivity, where people interpret the world based on personal values. Understanding these personal meanings offers a nuanced view of charitable acts beyond simple altruism or egoism.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Traditional views on charitable giving often focus on altruism versus egoism, or societal structures.
- These perspectives overlook the individual's subjective interpretation and the personal significance of charitable actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore reflexivity as a key, yet underemphasized, dimension in understanding charitable practices.
- To analyze how individual reflexivity interacts with emotions and social discourse to influence giving behavior.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of how individuals evaluate and integrate charitable acts into their lives.
- Examination of the interplay between reflexivity, sympathy, sentiments, and discourses in shaping charitable engagement.
Main Results:
- Charitable acts are embedded in individuals' lives with varying degrees of personal meaning and importance.
- Reflexivity significantly influences charitable behavior, interacting with emotional and social factors.
- Different modes of reflexivity lead to diverse patterns in charity and volunteering.
Conclusions:
- Reflexivity is a crucial factor in understanding the complexities of charitable giving.
- Moving beyond simplistic altruism/egoism binaries provides a richer understanding of why and how people give.
- Recognizing varied modes of reflexivity is essential for comprehending the nuances of engagement in charity and volunteering.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
56.4K
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
56.4K
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
325
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
325
01:55Egoism and Altruism
93.5K
Voluntary behavior with the intent to help other people is called prosocial behavior. Why do people help other people? Is personal benefit such as feeling good about oneself the only reason people help one another?
93.5K
01:29Structure of Self
910
Sigmund Freud's model of the human psyche is often illustrated using an iceberg analogy. The iceberg's visible tip represents the conscious mind, which includes thoughts and perceptions that individuals are immediately aware of. However, the larger, submerged portion of the iceberg represents the unconscious mind, a reservoir of repressed desires, instincts, and memories. According to Freud, human behavior is primarily shaped by this hidden realm.
Components of the Mind: Id, Ego, and...
Components of the Mind: Id, Ego, and...
910
01:29Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
370
The Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model offers a psychological framework to understand how individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by the achievements of others, particularly those with whom they share close personal bonds. The SEM model operates when personal rather than social identity guides individuals. Central to this model is the notion that individuals have an inherent desire to preserve a favorable self-image, which is continuously shaped by interpersonal comparisons and...
370
01:30Impact of Individuals on Individuals
446
Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...
446