Generosity versus altruism: philanthropy and charity in the US and UK

摘要: International differences in giving levels are becoming increasingly well documented by a variety of sources. Less explicated both research and practice the social understandings role meaning charitable different countries cultures. This paper contributes comparative analysis ethos behaviour two countries, United States Kingdom, particular relationship to civic life. It identifies postulates models—generosity altruism—for explaining those differences. Obvious disparities between exist when overall considered. In States, individual as percentage Gross Domestic Product has consistently hovered around 2%. By contrast, Kingdom yet reach 1% GDP. Various strategies, including imported from US, have not been able move that significantly higher, were fact declining mid-1990s incomes rising. Intriguingly, while differ dramatically total amounts given, rates participation quite similar. These kinds figures encouraged some analysts conclude culture UK is simply less developed than US. conclusion, however, neglects complexity political structures, attitudes, countries. Other cultures may also suffer similar simplistic assessments an era export American concepts strategies become popular.