Study: Charitable giving decreases with political competition

Oct 25, 2018, 12:48 PM

political giving...

Photo: BYU images

PROVO — A new study co-authored by a BYU professor finds that when political competition heats up, charitable giving goes down.

It looks like people give more to charity if they live among more people of their same political party. Robert Christensen, Associate Professor in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University, says there’s a lot of skepticism right now.

“Republicans [are skeptical] of Democrats, Democrats of Republicans, and it seems to be spilling over into our communities and social lives in ways that could frankly be a little detrimental,” he says.

Researchers compared IRS charitable giving to voting records. They found Republicans in a Republican-dominated county, or Democrats in a Democrat-dominated county, gave more to charity than members of either party living in a more politically competitive area.

 

“This evidence suggests that this political skepticism so to speak, is impacting our generosity,” Christensen says. “And I don’t think there’s a world where that’s a good thing.”

Christensen said it’s something they’d like to study further.

“The data we have aggregated at the county level, we’d like to talk to some of these taxpayers and see if they are really thinking of the politics of their county when they are giving, or is it a subconscious thing,” Christensen says.

 

One of his co-authors, Rebecca Nesbit of the University of Georgia, theorized that voters may be self-sorting themselves to live next to people with whom they already agree.

“Lower levels of competition may be an indication that we’re sorting into enclaves of like-minded political preferences,” she said in a statement. “While this sorting may lead to higher levels of charity, it may not help heal the political divisions in our country.”

The researchers used county voting results from the 2008 and 2012 elections to measure political ideology and identify which areas were considered Republican, Democrat or mixed.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Independent preside...

Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as Trump’s secretary after a close Senate vote

The U.S. Senate has voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as President Donald Trump’s health secretary.

35 minutes ago

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? It's important to prepare it before ...

Michelle Lee

Selling your home? Here’s what you can do to prepare

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? Here are some tips on how you can best prepare it for the market.

1 hour ago

DANIEL WOODRUFF

Some DUI convicts in Utah may have ‘no alcohol sale’ stamped on ID under new bill

SALT LAKE CITY – A proposal in the Legislature would require certain Utahns convicted of DUI to carry a special driver’s license stating they are not allowed to buy alcohol. HB437, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, advanced unanimously Wednesday out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee. It moves to the full […]

2 hours ago

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Utah bill to expand breast cancer coverage put on hold

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on hold. Initial mammography screenings are fully covered by insurance companies due to federal guidelines. This Utah bill, HB314, would expand that coverage to include follow-up breast cancer exams like MRI and ultrasound screenings. The bill had […]

3 hours ago

Motorists drive through falling snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 7. Many holiday travelers ...

BRIAN CARLSON

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

Many drivers expected to take Interstate 15 are headed through one of Utah's dangerous trouble spots.

12 hours ago

FILE - The company logo shines off the hood of a 2021 K5 sedan on display in the Kia exhibit at the...

SHELBY LOFTON

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for kia vehicle thefts. This time, police said the cars are often leaving them in driveways damaged.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Study: Charitable giving decreases with political competition