I'm aware that this is something we've discussed before on Barbelith but, in light of the recent debates and my own consequent rereading of shamefully-neglected social psychology textbooks, I feel it's a topic worth reopening. More personally, since moving to London, I've noticed shifts in my own patterns of charitable giving, and have given this some thought.
In recent years, it's been the prevailing view amongst social psychologists that there is no such thing as true altruism, either between animals or human beings. 'The Selfish Gene' encouraged us to view ourselves not as individual organisms but as ongoing reserves of genetic data which we work to preserve at all costs - thus, the majority of acts which appear altruistic are, in a twisty, convoluted way, actually self-serving (or self-DNA-serving), either by ensuring one's children's/relatives' survival or by contributing to the strength of the social group, and thus indirectly increasing the likelihood of one's own survival.
I broadly agree with this analysis, but can see it contains some holes...
Another prime motivator to be altruistic is the sense of well-being (or freedom from guilt) associated with giving - and securing one's notional self-image as a 'good, kind person'. This is reflected in my own attitude towards beggars and begging, particularly since moving to London and, specifically, Vauxhall. Now, Vauxhall is where 'The Big Issue' is based, so there're usually several individuals clustered around the Underground entrances every morning and evening. In the last few months, I've taken to giving my change (coppers and silver generally, occasionally pound coins, no notes) to one particular chap. I don't really stop to talk, but he recognises me and always says hello, 'have a good night' and so on. He looks to be in his forties, isn't especially attractive or amusing, doesn't have a baby or a dog.
Nothing particularly startling there, then. Why do I give regularly (and I do turn out my pockets to him most days) to this one individual? I'm not sure, but I think it's connected to that 'feeling of well-being' and relates to the way he consistently demonstrates gratitude. He doesn't do that thing of grabbing the coins, muttering something and immediately looking over my shoulder for the next one; he always appears genuinely thankful, even if I've handed him a pittance.
It's pretty clear, then, that my 'pattern of individual charity' is not needs-based (I don't think this one guy's especially needier than anyone else) and isn't even particularly predicated on the beggar as an individual. I don't give much thought to what he's like as a person; all I'm concerned with, really, is that I get that momentary warm, fuzzy 'good, kind person' glow off him. I don't give wodges of cash to anonymous charities, so my giving pattern is largely self-serving, psychologically-speaking.
So... two semi-linked points for discussion:
1) Does true altruism exist?
and
2) What's the basis of your pattern of individual charity? |
