The effects of economic austerity on pro-sociality: Evidence from Greece. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sambanis, Nicholas; Nikolova, Elena; Schultz, Anna
• Is Part Of: European Union politics. Volume 23:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 567
• Page End: 589
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Altruism -- austerity -- joblessness -- solidarity; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 320.9405
• DOI: 10.1177/14651165221120527
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-1165

Abstract

The European sovereign debt crisis resulted in policies of fiscal austerity and economic downturn in Greece, marked by a prolonged period of recession and high unemployment. This article explores the social impact of the economic crisis, focusing on its effects on altruism using new household-level survey data and quasi-behavioral outcomes. We focus on the effects of joblessness, the most severe form of economic hardship imposed as a result of the crisis. Our findings reveal a strong relationship between job loss in the household and decreased altruism. We provide experimental evidence of these effects and of in-group bias in charitable giving as a result of joblessness. Our results show that joblessness intensifies survey respondents' preferences for national as opposed to foreign charities.