Volunteering has long been a vital part of American culture, but lately, many people in the U.S. are not as involved in community service as before. Recent studies indicate that the economy might be a significant factor influencing this change.
Volunteering has long been a vital part of American culture, but lately, many people in the U.S. are not as involved in community service as before.
Research from the University of Georgia has found a link between economic conditions and volunteer participation.
The study discovered that individuals in underprivileged areas or regions with significant economic inequality are less inclined to participate in volunteer activities.
Rebecca Nesbit, the lead researcher and a professor at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs, noted, “Historically, rural areas have had higher rates of volunteering compared to urban regions. These areas typically have stronger community ties and more interaction among residents, which may increase their likelihood of volunteering. When you help out at a local food bank in these communities, you are assisting people you’re personally connected with.”
The 2008 recession further exacerbated this issue, with volunteer rates still not fully recovered even after more than 15 years.
“The benefits of volunteering that came from economic growth before the recession were diminished after it occurred, which can influence people’s behavior,” Nesbit added. “In challenging economic times, individuals might redirect their focus from volunteering to employment opportunities that ensure their financial stability.”
Economic Hardship Hits Volunteerism Hardest
This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of detailed volunteering data sourced from a secure U.S. Census Bureau Research Data Center, drawing from a nationally representative sample of 56,000 households surveyed each month. This resource is known for providing accurate statistics on national and state volunteering trends.
The researchers based their work on a dataset that included approximately 90,000 individuals from each year of the survey.
The study focused on the impact of economic disadvantage and disparity, particularly how the Great Recession intensified differences in volunteering rates between rural and urban areas.
Results showed that the recession had the strongest negative impact on volunteering in economically thriving regions with higher-than-average income equality.
“The decline in volunteering indicates that numerous communities affected by the recession are still struggling to regain their footing,” Nesbit observed. “It is uncertain whether this downward trend will persist or if these areas will eventually recover.”
Moreover, the demographic landscape of rural communities is shifting, with young people relocating to larger cities, leaving behind an aging population. This evolving sense of community may contribute to the significant drop in volunteer rates in these areas, according to the researchers.
Interestingly, the study found that residents in areas with growing economies tend to volunteer more frequently.
Even years after the recession had ended, the detrimental impact on volunteerism has lingered, suggesting there might be long-lasting social or psychological factors making individuals reluctant to commit time and resources to volunteer work, according to the researchers.
“A key takeaway is that local economic conditions significantly influence volunteerism,” stated Nesbit. “We cannot overlook this aspect. The implication is that while discussing economic development for communities, it is crucial to integrate civic growth as well.”
“Policymakers need to recognize that to bolster communities, especially in rural settings, a comprehensive approach is essential. It isn’t solely about economic growth or solely about civic engagement; it must encompass both.”
This study, published in the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, was co-authored by Laurie Paarlberg from Indiana University – Indianapolis, and Suyeon Jo from the University of Arizona Tucson.
