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Local Crime and Prosocial Attitudes: Evidence from Charitable Donations

Author

Listed:
  • Carlo Perroni

    (University of Warwick)

  • Kimberly Scharf

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Sarah Smith

    (University of Bristol)

  • Oleksandr Talavera

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Linh Vi

    (Aston University)

Abstract

Using longitudinal postcode-level data on charitable donations made through a UK giving portal, combined with publicly available data on local crime and neighborhood characteristics, we study the relationship between local crime and residents’ charitable giving and exploring the mechanisms underlying this relationship. An increase in local crime corresponds to a significant rise in the overall volume of unscheduled charitable donations. This effect is primarily driven by the responses of female and gender-uncategorized donors. Donation responses also vary with postcode-specific socio-economic characteristics, mental health levels, and political leanings, but mainly so for female and gender-uncategorized donors.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlo Perroni & Kimberly Scharf & Sarah Smith & Oleksandr Talavera & Linh Vi, 2024. "Local Crime and Prosocial Attitudes: Evidence from Charitable Donations," Discussion Papers 24-02, Department of Economics, University of Birmingham.
    • Handle: RePEc:bir:birmec:24-02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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