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Where do human organs come from? Trends of generalized and restricted altruism in organ donations

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  • Boas, Hagai

Abstract

The supply of human organs for transplantation is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Using data from 30 countries for the years 1995–2007, this paper suggests that organ supply today is more dependent on direct donations than on the collective organ pool. This trend is analyzed by studying different modes of altruism: “generalized altruism” relates to the procurement of organs through a one-for-all collectivized system of donations whereas “restricted altruism” relates to one-to-one donations with organs considered personal gifts. The data suggest that transplants are becoming less and less social goods and more and more personal gifts. This trend is documented and discussed in light of the linkage that social scientists hypothesize between altruism and social solidarity. Whereas altruism is conceived as generating social solidarity, the rise in direct organ donations restricts the effect of altruism to one-to-one interactions rather than one-for-all giving.

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  • Boas, Hagai, 2011. "Where do human organs come from? Trends of generalized and restricted altruism in organ donations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(9), pages 1378-1385.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:73:y:2011:i:9:p:1378-1385
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.07.028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abadie, Alberto & Gay, Sebastien, 2006. "The impact of presumed consent legislation on cadaveric organ donation: A cross-country study," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 599-620, July.
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