Income and geographically constrained generosity

Abstract

AbstractHow to target individuals for charitable behavior to distant others is a major challenge. This paper tests the possibility that individuals with higher income engage in more charitable behavior toward distant beneficiaries relative to individuals with lower income. A multi‐method approach offers evidence for this prediction. Survey data (N = 2957) demonstrates that income is positively related to allocations of money to distant beneficiaries (foreign medical staff). Richer (vs. poorer) individuals are also more likely to volunteer to assist distant beneficiaries (Study 2, N = 397; Study 3, N = 250). Moreover, we tested this prediction with data from 66,669 respondents across 49 countries and found that those with higher income have higher global identity, which, in turn, leads to proffering more help toward distant others (Study 4).