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Which Women Give?

Generational Differences in Giving

In general, the literature demonstrates a strong and positive relationship between philanthropic giving and age (see Bekkers & Wiepking, 2007).  Research from the management and nonprofit studies literature also reveals important generational differences exist in terms of values, aspirations, and behaviors (e.g., Kunreuther, 2003).  However, no published research examining giving by gender across generation/age was located for this review.  In a recent unpublished study, research at the Center on Philanthropy explored this question as to whether there might be gender differences in giving by generation (Brown & Rooney, 2008).  This study, although a working paper, is included in this review because of the large nationally representative sample that was used, as well as the high response rate.  After controlling for demographic, religious attendance, and political ideology, results indicated no significant differences in amounts given to charity by gender and generation.  However, significant differences were found across gender and generation in giving to religion.

Volunteers

Although the literature suggests a positive relationship between volunteering and donating to charity (see Bekkers & Wiepking, 2007, Van Slyke & Brooks, 2005; Wunnava & Lauze, 2001), few studies have examined this relationship by gender.  Yet, most of the research literature indicates that women volunteer significantly more than men (e.g., Einolf, 2006; Hodgkinson et al., 1992, Hodgkinson & Weitzman, 1996; Mesch et al., 2006, Sokolowski, 1996).   One research study found a positive and significant relationship between money contributions and giving of time, and also found significant differences between men and women when examining the interdependence between individuals’ charitable donations and volunteering (Brown & Lankford, 1992).   Although education and lower tax prices increase hours volunteered for both men and women, marital status, available time, and household size had a positive effect on volunteer hours for women, while single parenthood had a negative impact.  For women, “the significant economic variables are available time and the tax price of money gifts” (Brown & Lankford: 333).

Marx (2000) found that those who give to human services are significantly more likely to be volunteers as well as female.  Parsons (2004) found that women who volunteer are more likely to provide financial support to the same organizations where they or family members contribute their time. Parsons concludes that this helps them to feel connected to the cause and to the community.

Occupational Differences

Only one study was uncovered that examined giving by gender across occupations.  In a study examining giving patterns of young affluent males and females, Kottasz (2004) found that corporate male lawyers give the most to charity.  However, this study used a small sample, was restricted to London, and did not control for income.

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