Volunteering used to be a mainstay of U.S. culture. But in recent years, giving back to their community hasn’t played as big a role in many Americans’ lives.
New research from the University of Georgia suggests the economy may be to blame.
The researchers found that people living in disadvantaged communities or areas that have high levels of economic inequality were less likely to volunteer.
“Historically, rural areas have had higher volunteering rates than urban ones,” said Rebecca Nesbit, lead author of the study and a professor in UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs.
“These communities often have closer ties and more social interaction with each other, and those close ties may make them more likely to volunteer. Because when you’re volunteering for the local food bank in these communities, you’re helping people that you have a personal connection to.”