Demand Networks and Informal Volunteering

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Traditional volunteering research focuses on volunteer supply (resources, motivations).
• This study introduces the concept of 'demand networks' to explain informal volunteering.
• Demand networks emphasize the role of experienced help requests within personal networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the significance of the demand side in informal volunteering.
• To explore how social values and gender roles mediate the relationship between experienced demand and volunteering.
• To understand the influence of personal network demands on voluntary help and support.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Inquiry into informally organized volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Analysis of factors influencing responses to perceived help demands.

Main Results:

• The demand side is crucial for explaining informal volunteering.
• Individuals experiencing more demand for help in their network are more likely to volunteer.
• Altruistic values and traditional gender roles amplify the association between demand networks and volunteering.

Conclusions:

• Social connections act as both resource providers and sources of demand.
• Gender roles significantly mediate the impact of demand networks on informal volunteering.
• Findings have implications for social capital, resilience, and understanding societal support systems during crises.