Stephen G. Post
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in ...
More
This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in contrast to one that is primarily self-regarding. Altruistic (benevolent, kind, compassionate, charitable) individuals, motivated with little or no interest in reciprocity or reputation gain, may enjoy enhanced health, broadly defined. An overview of the four parts of the book is also presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in contrast to one that is primarily self-regarding. Altruistic (benevolent, kind, compassionate, charitable) individuals, motivated with little or no interest in reciprocity or reputation gain, may enjoy enhanced health, broadly defined. An overview of the four parts of the book is also presented.
Stephen Stich, John M. Doris, and Erica Roedder
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199733477
- eISBN:
- 9780199949823
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199733477.003.0015
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter focuses on an issue that has vexed philosophers since Plato: is genuinely altruistic behavior possible, or is all human behavior ultimately selfish? It begins in Section 2 with a brief ...
More
This chapter focuses on an issue that has vexed philosophers since Plato: is genuinely altruistic behavior possible, or is all human behavior ultimately selfish? It begins in Section 2 with a brief sketch of a cluster of assumptions about human desires, beliefs, actions, and motivation that are widely shared by historical and contemporary authors on both sides in the debate. Section 3 considers links between evolutionary theory and the egoism/altruism debate. There is a substantial literature employing evolutionary theory on each side of the issue. However, it is argued that neither camp has offered a convincing case. Section 4 looks at recent research on altruism in social psychology. While this work has not resolved the debate, it has made illuminating progress—progress that philosophers interested in the question cannot afford to ignore.Less
This chapter focuses on an issue that has vexed philosophers since Plato: is genuinely altruistic behavior possible, or is all human behavior ultimately selfish? It begins in Section 2 with a brief sketch of a cluster of assumptions about human desires, beliefs, actions, and motivation that are widely shared by historical and contemporary authors on both sides in the debate. Section 3 considers links between evolutionary theory and the egoism/altruism debate. There is a substantial literature employing evolutionary theory on each side of the issue. However, it is argued that neither camp has offered a convincing case. Section 4 looks at recent research on altruism in social psychology. While this work has not resolved the debate, it has made illuminating progress—progress that philosophers interested in the question cannot afford to ignore.
Christopher Boehm
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0022
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter explores the deep evolutionary roots of altruism and healing. It discusses medical practices among apes, as well as their medical helping behaviours. It then moves to a focus on the role ...
More
This chapter explores the deep evolutionary roots of altruism and healing. It discusses medical practices among apes, as well as their medical helping behaviours. It then moves to a focus on the role of the shaman as an altruistic healer and the salutary aspects of reduced stress in the agent of altruism. It shows that the roots of genetic altruism that affect health are ancient and heavily involved with our evolved human nature. Humans evolved to be altruistic in various ways and ‘our altruism impinges significantly on our own health and that of others’.Less
This chapter explores the deep evolutionary roots of altruism and healing. It discusses medical practices among apes, as well as their medical helping behaviours. It then moves to a focus on the role of the shaman as an altruistic healer and the salutary aspects of reduced stress in the agent of altruism. It shows that the roots of genetic altruism that affect health are ancient and heavily involved with our evolved human nature. Humans evolved to be altruistic in various ways and ‘our altruism impinges significantly on our own health and that of others’.
Elizabeth Midlarsky and Eva Kahana
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter begins with the background of and a theory on altruism. It then focuses on research on older helpers, emphasizing work on Holocaust heroes, who are at the time of writing this book quite ...
More
This chapter begins with the background of and a theory on altruism. It then focuses on research on older helpers, emphasizing work on Holocaust heroes, who are at the time of writing this book quite elderly. The basic premise of this chapter is that the consequences of altruism, in the form of well-being and mental health, can be viewed through the prism of the altruism paradox.Less
This chapter begins with the background of and a theory on altruism. It then focuses on research on older helpers, emphasizing work on Holocaust heroes, who are at the time of writing this book quite elderly. The basic premise of this chapter is that the consequences of altruism, in the form of well-being and mental health, can be viewed through the prism of the altruism paradox.
Carolyn Schwartz
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
Although the benefits of giving support have long been acknowledged among spiritual and religious texts as a key to living well, the predominant focus in psychological research on social support has ...
More
Although the benefits of giving support have long been acknowledged among spiritual and religious texts as a key to living well, the predominant focus in psychological research on social support has been on the benefits one enjoys when one receives social support. There is, however, emerging evidence that giving support to others provides as much or perhaps more reward to the giver than to the recipient. Based on the results of two studies, this chapter hypothesizes that altruistic social-interest behaviours enhance subjective well-being for both healthy and chronically ill adults. The first study focused on chronically ill patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It examined the health implications of receiving training in coping strategies accompanied by monthly telephone support versus simply receiving fifteen-minute phone calls from trained peer supporters (who also had MS) once a month for a year. Data collected from the five peer supporters revealed that they (the givers) reported improvements on more outcomes than the receivers and that the effect from the size of these changes was larger for the givers than for the supported patients. The second study used previously collected data on a large stratified sample of Presbyterians in order to examine the hypothesis within a healthy and much larger cohort. Data showed that giving help was a more important indicator of better mental health than receiving it.Less
Although the benefits of giving support have long been acknowledged among spiritual and religious texts as a key to living well, the predominant focus in psychological research on social support has been on the benefits one enjoys when one receives social support. There is, however, emerging evidence that giving support to others provides as much or perhaps more reward to the giver than to the recipient. Based on the results of two studies, this chapter hypothesizes that altruistic social-interest behaviours enhance subjective well-being for both healthy and chronically ill adults. The first study focused on chronically ill patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It examined the health implications of receiving training in coping strategies accompanied by monthly telephone support versus simply receiving fifteen-minute phone calls from trained peer supporters (who also had MS) once a month for a year. Data collected from the five peer supporters revealed that they (the givers) reported improvements on more outcomes than the receivers and that the effect from the size of these changes was larger for the givers than for the supported patients. The second study used previously collected data on a large stratified sample of Presbyterians in order to examine the hypothesis within a healthy and much larger cohort. Data showed that giving help was a more important indicator of better mental health than receiving it.
Neal Krause
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0027
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter suggests that, for those so inclined, a religious community in which altruism is prescribed might be useful. It discusses the ways in which formal places of worship provide opportunities ...
More
This chapter suggests that, for those so inclined, a religious community in which altruism is prescribed might be useful. It discusses the ways in which formal places of worship provide opportunities for helping behaviour and its associated health benefits to flourish. Because religions extol the virtues of loving others and helping those in need, and offer both informal and formal ways of putting these virtues into practice, it is no surprise that more volunteer work is done through churches, synagogues, mosques, and so on than through any other organization. There are many ways in which religion promotes helping behaviour, which all merit further study. The primary function of religion is to provide a sense of meaning to life and that helping others may be the best avenue for doing so. The chapter reviews four major studies that address volunteering in the religious setting and concludes that a good deal of volunteer work takes place in this setting, and the benefits of volunteering may be the greatest for older adults who help within the church.Less
This chapter suggests that, for those so inclined, a religious community in which altruism is prescribed might be useful. It discusses the ways in which formal places of worship provide opportunities for helping behaviour and its associated health benefits to flourish. Because religions extol the virtues of loving others and helping those in need, and offer both informal and formal ways of putting these virtues into practice, it is no surprise that more volunteer work is done through churches, synagogues, mosques, and so on than through any other organization. There are many ways in which religion promotes helping behaviour, which all merit further study. The primary function of religion is to provide a sense of meaning to life and that helping others may be the best avenue for doing so. The chapter reviews four major studies that address volunteering in the religious setting and concludes that a good deal of volunteer work takes place in this setting, and the benefits of volunteering may be the greatest for older adults who help within the church.
Kristen Renwick Monroe
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195143584
- eISBN:
- 9780199848119
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195143584.003.0011
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
Empathy, altruism, and agape are not the same phenomenon. Altruism in the laboratory may differ in significant ways from altruism in what we often call the real world. Altruistic behavior does not ...
More
Empathy, altruism, and agape are not the same phenomenon. Altruism in the laboratory may differ in significant ways from altruism in what we often call the real world. Altruistic behavior does not correspond to the accepted wisdom in Western ethics in which ethics are a function of agonistic choice. This altruistic perspective consists of a common perception of oneself as an individual strongly linked to others through a shared humanity. Attempts to smuggle self-interest into acts of altruism make clear how difficult it is for disciplines founded on the assumption of self-interest to comprehend and explain altruism. Human beings are highly complex organisms living in a multiplicity of cultures, and any theoretical models designed to predict our behavior must try to allow for this complexity.Less
Empathy, altruism, and agape are not the same phenomenon. Altruism in the laboratory may differ in significant ways from altruism in what we often call the real world. Altruistic behavior does not correspond to the accepted wisdom in Western ethics in which ethics are a function of agonistic choice. This altruistic perspective consists of a common perception of oneself as an individual strongly linked to others through a shared humanity. Attempts to smuggle self-interest into acts of altruism make clear how difficult it is for disciplines founded on the assumption of self-interest to comprehend and explain altruism. Human beings are highly complex organisms living in a multiplicity of cultures, and any theoretical models designed to predict our behavior must try to allow for this complexity.
David Sloan Wilson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0021
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter tests an ecological and evolutionary hypothesis of the fitness of altruists, using the Sloan Study of Youth and Social Development, which includes information on a large sample of ...
More
This chapter tests an ecological and evolutionary hypothesis of the fitness of altruists, using the Sloan Study of Youth and Social Development, which includes information on a large sample of American adolescents gathered through questionnaires and the experience sampling method. The hypothesis places altruism in its ecological context as a human behavioural strategy that will be advantageous in some environments (stable ones where altruism thrives) and that may cause stress in others (where altruism is unreciprocated or unappreciated). Data showed that highly prosocial teens tended to inhabit positive, stable, and encouraging environments while low-prosocial teens experienced events typical of harsh social environments (i.e., fighting and teen pregnancy). Transplanting these altruistic and selfish teens would cause stress to both groups, and this is supported by the fact that the highly prosocial teens are less able to cope with the stresses typical of the low-prosocial environment. The study's hypothesis is further supported by the predominantly male sample of narcissists (low-prosocial teens with high self-esteem and plans for the future) within the study who had extremely good mental health, much like the highly prosocial individuals within supportive environments. Religiousness is highly correlated to prosocial behaviour, and religions appear to be very effective at creating social environments or niches where altruism flourishes.Less
This chapter tests an ecological and evolutionary hypothesis of the fitness of altruists, using the Sloan Study of Youth and Social Development, which includes information on a large sample of American adolescents gathered through questionnaires and the experience sampling method. The hypothesis places altruism in its ecological context as a human behavioural strategy that will be advantageous in some environments (stable ones where altruism thrives) and that may cause stress in others (where altruism is unreciprocated or unappreciated). Data showed that highly prosocial teens tended to inhabit positive, stable, and encouraging environments while low-prosocial teens experienced events typical of harsh social environments (i.e., fighting and teen pregnancy). Transplanting these altruistic and selfish teens would cause stress to both groups, and this is supported by the fact that the highly prosocial teens are less able to cope with the stresses typical of the low-prosocial environment. The study's hypothesis is further supported by the predominantly male sample of narcissists (low-prosocial teens with high self-esteem and plans for the future) within the study who had extremely good mental health, much like the highly prosocial individuals within supportive environments. Religiousness is highly correlated to prosocial behaviour, and religions appear to be very effective at creating social environments or niches where altruism flourishes.
Peter L. Benson, E. Gil Clary, and Peter C. Scales
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
The links between prosocial action and health in adolescence have not been a central area of inquiry in the social sciences. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of literature that provides some ...
More
The links between prosocial action and health in adolescence have not been a central area of inquiry in the social sciences. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of literature that provides some hint about this intersection. This is partly due to the relatively recent national interest in volunteerism and the forms of it mandated or encouraged by school districts. And a voluminous body of research has documented the relationship of these programs to various indicators of adolescent well-being. Complementing this wave of research is an assortment of studies looking at other forms of adolescent engagement in actions variously labelled as prosocial behaviour, generosity, or altruism. In exploring the linkages between these behaviours and health, this chapter defines adolescent health, synthesizes the published literature, explores a large data set on 6th- to 12th-grade students to address additional empirical issues, and finally recommends new lines of inquiry needed to advance knowledge about the altruism and health relationship.Less
The links between prosocial action and health in adolescence have not been a central area of inquiry in the social sciences. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of literature that provides some hint about this intersection. This is partly due to the relatively recent national interest in volunteerism and the forms of it mandated or encouraged by school districts. And a voluminous body of research has documented the relationship of these programs to various indicators of adolescent well-being. Complementing this wave of research is an assortment of studies looking at other forms of adolescent engagement in actions variously labelled as prosocial behaviour, generosity, or altruism. In exploring the linkages between these behaviours and health, this chapter defines adolescent health, synthesizes the published literature, explores a large data set on 6th- to 12th-grade students to address additional empirical issues, and finally recommends new lines of inquiry needed to advance knowledge about the altruism and health relationship.
Gail Ironson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter presents research on altruism and health in the context of people living with AIDS. It begins with a review of the literature on AIDS patients who volunteer to help others with the ...
More
This chapter presents research on altruism and health in the context of people living with AIDS. It begins with a review of the literature on AIDS patients who volunteer to help others with the illness. This literature indicates that, as a result of such helping, the volunteers develop a positive sense of self, increase safer sex behaviours, and feel at greater peace with regard to their own future deaths. It then turns to the chapter's own research on a group of seventy-nine long-term survivors of AIDS (people who have survived twice as long as expected), who were compared with a group who had AIDS with a normal course of the illness. The long survivors were significantly more likely to have engaged in AIDS volunteerism and had significantly less depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. In a subsequent study on the psychological predictors of slower disease progression, the chapter again notes that volunteering, giving to charities, and expressing caring for others are related to better prognosis in AIDS and to less emotional distress.Less
This chapter presents research on altruism and health in the context of people living with AIDS. It begins with a review of the literature on AIDS patients who volunteer to help others with the illness. This literature indicates that, as a result of such helping, the volunteers develop a positive sense of self, increase safer sex behaviours, and feel at greater peace with regard to their own future deaths. It then turns to the chapter's own research on a group of seventy-nine long-term survivors of AIDS (people who have survived twice as long as expected), who were compared with a group who had AIDS with a normal course of the illness. The long survivors were significantly more likely to have engaged in AIDS volunteerism and had significantly less depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. In a subsequent study on the psychological predictors of slower disease progression, the chapter again notes that volunteering, giving to charities, and expressing caring for others are related to better prognosis in AIDS and to less emotional distress.
Felix Warneken
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199890712
- eISBN:
- 9780199332779
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199890712.003.0073
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter reviews studies on altruistic behavior. Young children engage in helping behaviors and so do chimpanzees. These findings challenge the idea that human altruistic behaviors are due to ...
More
This chapter reviews studies on altruistic behavior. Young children engage in helping behaviors and so do chimpanzees. These findings challenge the idea that human altruistic behaviors are due to socialization practices in the form of parental instruction or the internalization of norms alone. There is no question that socialization practices can profoundly influence children's basic altruistic tendencies. However, it seems that these practices build upon processes that are shared with our closest evolutionary relatives, rather than completely reshaping our biological endowment. Moreover, recent findings from comparative and developmental psychology indicate that altruistic behavior should not be viewed as a unitary trait. There are different ways that humans can engage in altruistic behavior, and these varieties may be supported by distinct psychological mechanisms.Less
This chapter reviews studies on altruistic behavior. Young children engage in helping behaviors and so do chimpanzees. These findings challenge the idea that human altruistic behaviors are due to socialization practices in the form of parental instruction or the internalization of norms alone. There is no question that socialization practices can profoundly influence children's basic altruistic tendencies. However, it seems that these practices build upon processes that are shared with our closest evolutionary relatives, rather than completely reshaping our biological endowment. Moreover, recent findings from comparative and developmental psychology indicate that altruistic behavior should not be viewed as a unitary trait. There are different ways that humans can engage in altruistic behavior, and these varieties may be supported by distinct psychological mechanisms.
Stephen G. Post, Lynn G. Underwood, Jeffrey P. Schloss, and William B. Hurlbut (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195143584
- eISBN:
- 9780199848119
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195143584.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
The concept of altruism, or disinterested concern for another's welfare, has been discussed by everyone from theologians to psychologists to biologists. In this book, evolutionary, neurological, ...
More
The concept of altruism, or disinterested concern for another's welfare, has been discussed by everyone from theologians to psychologists to biologists. In this book, evolutionary, neurological, developmental, psychological, social, cultural, and religious aspects of altruistic behavior are examined. It is a collaborative examination of one of humanity's essential and defining characteristics by researchers from various disciplines. Their integrative dialogue illustrates that altruistic behavior is a significant mode of expression that can be studied by various scholarly methods and understood from a variety of perspectives in both the humanities and the sciences. The book establishes a framework for scholarship on altruism by presenting definitions, a historical overview, a review of contemporary research, and debates in various disciplines, as well as a discussion of directions for future work.Less
The concept of altruism, or disinterested concern for another's welfare, has been discussed by everyone from theologians to psychologists to biologists. In this book, evolutionary, neurological, developmental, psychological, social, cultural, and religious aspects of altruistic behavior are examined. It is a collaborative examination of one of humanity's essential and defining characteristics by researchers from various disciplines. Their integrative dialogue illustrates that altruistic behavior is a significant mode of expression that can be studied by various scholarly methods and understood from a variety of perspectives in both the humanities and the sciences. The book establishes a framework for scholarship on altruism by presenting definitions, a historical overview, a review of contemporary research, and debates in various disciplines, as well as a discussion of directions for future work.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter identifies the outstanding factors that predict rescue among cultural groups, including rescuers, nonrescuers, and bystanders. It suggests attitudes and beliefs that might constitute a ...
More
This chapter identifies the outstanding factors that predict rescue among cultural groups, including rescuers, nonrescuers, and bystanders. It suggests attitudes and beliefs that might constitute a core group of values reflective of an outgroup altruistic culture based on the five summary factors. It discusses the summary factors most associated with altruistic behavior, including the outgroup relationship factor, the secondary relationship factor, and the primary relationship factor. This chapter also compares the scores of Catholics and Protestants on these summary factors.Less
This chapter identifies the outstanding factors that predict rescue among cultural groups, including rescuers, nonrescuers, and bystanders. It suggests attitudes and beliefs that might constitute a core group of values reflective of an outgroup altruistic culture based on the five summary factors. It discusses the summary factors most associated with altruistic behavior, including the outgroup relationship factor, the secondary relationship factor, and the primary relationship factor. This chapter also compares the scores of Catholics and Protestants on these summary factors.
Abigail A. Marsh
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262016612
- eISBN:
- 9780262298612
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262016612.003.0011
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter discusses the association between empathy and neural and psychological forces, as well as a cognitive neuroscience study that focuses on the relationship between empathy and distress ...
More
This chapter discusses the association between empathy and neural and psychological forces, as well as a cognitive neuroscience study that focuses on the relationship between empathy and distress detection and response. It looks at the identification of distress-related emotions, including disgust, pain, and fear via neurocognitive research, as well as the ability of an emotion such as fear to bring out compassionate empathic or concerned responses in a person. The chapter explores clinical disorders like psychopathy, which, according to research, is the result of an empathy deficit in a person. It presents the relationship between facial expression recognition and altruistic behavior through a series of studies, and concludes with the usefulness of fear cues in understanding the aspects of empathy.Less
This chapter discusses the association between empathy and neural and psychological forces, as well as a cognitive neuroscience study that focuses on the relationship between empathy and distress detection and response. It looks at the identification of distress-related emotions, including disgust, pain, and fear via neurocognitive research, as well as the ability of an emotion such as fear to bring out compassionate empathic or concerned responses in a person. The chapter explores clinical disorders like psychopathy, which, according to research, is the result of an empathy deficit in a person. It presents the relationship between facial expression recognition and altruistic behavior through a series of studies, and concludes with the usefulness of fear cues in understanding the aspects of empathy.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of very religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. These include a nun, a Dutch Protestant male, and a church minister. This chapter compares the very ...
More
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of very religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. These include a nun, a Dutch Protestant male, and a church minister. This chapter compares the very religious rescuers with equally religious nonrescuers in terms of the five summary factors and their associated measures. The findings reveal that the nun and the Dutch Protestant became rescuers only when aroused by their religious leaders, which gives apparent credence to the hypothesis that if the church had taken a clear stand, the Holocaust might never have happened.Less
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of very religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. These include a nun, a Dutch Protestant male, and a church minister. This chapter compares the very religious rescuers with equally religious nonrescuers in terms of the five summary factors and their associated measures. The findings reveal that the nun and the Dutch Protestant became rescuers only when aroused by their religious leaders, which gives apparent credence to the hypothesis that if the church had taken a clear stand, the Holocaust might never have happened.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Protestant rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It analyzes qualities shared by the Protestant rescuers with other Protestants and how Protestants ...
More
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Protestant rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It analyzes qualities shared by the Protestant rescuers with other Protestants and how Protestants generally compare with Catholics. The findings reveal that Protestants were particularly strong on potency measures compared to Catholics and that both Protestant rescuers and bystanders scored significantly higher on personal potency than their Catholic counterparts. This chapter also shares the stories of Protestant rescuers and bystanders including that of a German Lutheran rescuer, a Norwegian Lutheran rescuer, and a Dutch Lutheran bystander.Less
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Protestant rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It analyzes qualities shared by the Protestant rescuers with other Protestants and how Protestants generally compare with Catholics. The findings reveal that Protestants were particularly strong on potency measures compared to Catholics and that both Protestant rescuers and bystanders scored significantly higher on personal potency than their Catholic counterparts. This chapter also shares the stories of Protestant rescuers and bystanders including that of a German Lutheran rescuer, a Norwegian Lutheran rescuer, and a Dutch Lutheran bystander.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Catholic rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares the Catholic rescuers with their Protestant counterparts and the results reveal that Catholics ...
More
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Catholic rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares the Catholic rescuers with their Protestant counterparts and the results reveal that Catholics are generally more marked by a sharing predisposition and that they scored significantly higher on the sharing factor and its associated measures. It suggests that Catholics owe their sharing dispositions to their religion and their tight collective culture. This chapter also explains that Catholics are united by their religious identification, their sense of patriotism, and their reliance on their religious and national institutions to reach their goals.Less
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of Catholic rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares the Catholic rescuers with their Protestant counterparts and the results reveal that Catholics are generally more marked by a sharing predisposition and that they scored significantly higher on the sharing factor and its associated measures. It suggests that Catholics owe their sharing dispositions to their religion and their tight collective culture. This chapter also explains that Catholics are united by their religious identification, their sense of patriotism, and their reliance on their religious and national institutions to reach their goals.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of irreligious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares irreligious rescuers and irreligious nonrescuers including a Dutch rescuer, a Polish rescuer, ...
More
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of irreligious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares irreligious rescuers and irreligious nonrescuers including a Dutch rescuer, a Polish rescuer, and a French communist nonrescuer. It also compares religious and irreligious rescuers and suggests that while they differ in many important ways, they also share some common characteristics.Less
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of irreligious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. It compares irreligious rescuers and irreligious nonrescuers including a Dutch rescuer, a Polish rescuer, and a French communist nonrescuer. It also compares religious and irreligious rescuers and suggests that while they differ in many important ways, they also share some common characteristics.
Pearl M. Oliner
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100631
- eISBN:
- 9780300130409
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100631.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of moderately religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. The analysis reveals that that the moderately religious constitute a group that is a ...
More
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of moderately religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. The analysis reveals that that the moderately religious constitute a group that is a disproportionately low percentage of rescuers and a disproportionately high percentage of nonrescuers. This chapter compares the mildly religious and somewhat religious and also the moderately religious rescuers and nonrescuers. It also describes the stories of moderately religious rescuers and nonrescuers, including a mildly religious Italian man, a somewhat religious Polish woman, and a moderately religious French man.Less
This chapter examines the altruistic behavior of moderately religious rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. The analysis reveals that that the moderately religious constitute a group that is a disproportionately low percentage of rescuers and a disproportionately high percentage of nonrescuers. This chapter compares the mildly religious and somewhat religious and also the moderately religious rescuers and nonrescuers. It also describes the stories of moderately religious rescuers and nonrescuers, including a mildly religious Italian man, a somewhat religious Polish woman, and a moderately religious French man.