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Citizen Willingness to Assist as Volunteers in the Provision of Local Public Goods: A Case Study of Volunteer Firemen in 70 West German Cities

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  • Charles E. Zech

Abstract

. Volunteer activity, from one perspective, that of the theory of public choice, provides an outlet for the articulation of demand for public goods. To analyze its role in that function, a theoretical model is constructed which incorporates the social, benevolence and demand articulation elements of volunteerism into a single utility function. The utility function is based on the economics of clubs and the economics of charity views of utility. The theoretical model shows how the rational individual weighs the benefits and costs of volunteerism and relates this behavior to the rational voter model of demand articulation. The model is then empirically tested, using data for volunteer fire companies in 70 West German cities. The empirical results show that to the extent volunteer activities are considered to be a form of demand articulation, they are consistent with the rational voter hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles E. Zech, 1982. "Citizen Willingness to Assist as Volunteers in the Provision of Local Public Goods: A Case Study of Volunteer Firemen in 70 West German Cities," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(3), pages 303-314, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:41:y:1982:i:3:p:303-314
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1536-7150.1982.tb01683.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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