The Science of Generosity: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences (Palgrave Studies in Altruism, Morality, and Social Solidarity)

This book advances understanding of the manifestations, causes, and consequences of generosity. Synthesizing the findings of the 14 research projects conducted by the Science of Generosity Initiative and offering an appendix of methods for studying generosity, this comprehensive account integrates insights from disparate disciplines to facilitate a broader understanding of giving - ultimately creating a compendium of not only the latest research in the field of altruistic behaviors, but also a research roadmap for the future. As the author sequentially explores the manifestations, causes, and consequences of generosity, Patricia Snell Herzog here also offers analyses ranging from the micro- to macro-level to paint a full picture of the individual, interpersonal and familial, and collective (inter)actions involved in altruism and generosity. The author concludes with a call to stimulate further interdisciplinary generosity studies, describing the implications for emerging scholars and practitioners across sociology, economics, political science, religious studies, and beyond Front Matter ....Pages i-xix Introduction: The Science of Generosity: From Disparate to Integrated (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 1-20 The Manifestations of Generosity: From Cooperation to Social Justice (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 21-51 The Causes of Generosity: From Attachment to Cultural Solidarity (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 53-92 The Consequences of Generosity: From the Interpersonal to the Collective (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 93-108 The Interdisciplinary Study of Generosity: The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 109-144 Conclusion: Generosity in Action—Benefiting the Collective Good (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 145-159 Appendix: On Studying Generosity (Patricia Snell Herzog)....Pages 161-186 Back Matter ....Pages 187-197