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Using Normative Theory to Explain the Effect of Religion and Education on Volunteering

Publication ,  Journal Article
Son, J; Wilson, J
Published in: Sociological Perspectives
July 2012

Many studies have found that volunteers tend to be more religious and better educated but it is not clear why. One explanation is that churches and schools instill a sense of obligation in people to help others and this obligation is fulfilled by doing volunteer work. In this study data from National Survey of Midlife in the United States are used to examine the influence of education and having been raised in a religious home on adult’s sense of obligation and subsequent volunteering. Religious background has no direct effect on sense of obligation. However, it exerts an influence on obligation through private (but not public) adult religiosity. Education has both direct and indirect effects (through obligations) on adult volunteering. The results underline the fact that social norms should not be ignored in explanations of volunteerism.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Sociological Perspectives

Publication Date

July 2012

Related Subject Headings

  • Sociology
  • 4410 Sociology
  • 1608 Sociology
 

Citation

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Son, J., & Wilson, J. (2012). Using Normative Theory to Explain the Effect of Religion and Education on Volunteering. Sociological Perspectives.
Son, Joonmo, and John Wilson. “Using Normative Theory to Explain the Effect of Religion and Education on Volunteering.” Sociological Perspectives, July 2012.
Son, Joonmo, and John Wilson. “Using Normative Theory to Explain the Effect of Religion and Education on Volunteering.” Sociological Perspectives, July 2012.

Published In

Sociological Perspectives

Publication Date

July 2012

Related Subject Headings

  • Sociology
  • 4410 Sociology
  • 1608 Sociology