Demand Networks and Informal Volunteering

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Traditional volunteering research focuses on volunteer resources and motivations (supply side).
• This study introduces the concept of "demand networks" to explore the demand side of volunteering.
• Understanding informal volunteering requires examining experienced demand for help within personal networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of perceived demand for help on informal volunteering.
• To explore how social values and gender roles mediate the relationship between demand networks and volunteering.
• To reconceptualize social connections as a source of demands, not just resources.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Data collected on informally organized volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Statistical analysis to examine hypotheses on demand, social values, gender roles, and volunteering.

Main Results:

• The amount of demand for help experienced in a network significantly influences the likelihood of volunteering.
• Altruistic values and traditional gender roles amplify the association between demand networks and informal volunteering.
• Women and individuals with stronger altruistic values are more responsive to perceived needs.

Conclusions:

• The demand side is crucial for explaining informal volunteering.
• Social connections should be viewed as both resource providers and sources of demand.
• Gender roles play a significant role in amplifying the impact of demand networks on volunteering, with implications for social capital and resilience.