Altruism
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Why do we help others, and when do we decide not to help others? In this lesson, you'll take a look at the biological and social motivation behind altruism.
When we write articles for Wikipedia, volunteer our time to charity or do anything for the greater good without expecting payment or rewards in return, we are being altruistic. Why are we compelled to help others? Do we do it because it makes us feel good to contribute to society? Or, is it an instinct of group survival?
Origins of Altruism
We have biological instincts to help others. We gain an evolutionary advantage when we help our own family members survive and continue contributing to the gene pool.
Following the social responsibility norm, we expect firefighters, law enforcement officials, parents, teachers and other responsible leaders to help others even if it comes at a cost. Social learning happens when we see our heroes helping others and then proceed to model our behavior on their actions. We may see their good deeds in real life or on TV.
Social Influences
Now that we've considered why we help, let's look at some factors that inhibit altruism.
- Social exchange theory states that we work towards balancing the amount of effort that parties are putting into social relationships. According to this theory, we will continue to help other people until we feel that we're not getting the same amount of help in return.
Say you've helped your friend move two times in the past two years, and you ask him if he can lend you a hand now that you're moving to a new apartment. The polite thing for your friend to do is reciprocate and return the favor. If he says no, you might not help him again the next time he asks for help.
Even if our original intention isn't to benefit ourselves, we're more likely to continue helping if we receive rewards, such as help when we need it ourselves, social status and recognition.
- You may have heard of the bystander effect: the phenomenon whereby violent crimes or accidents occur in crowded urban areas and no one comes to the rescue of the victim. The size of the crowd diminishes the feeling of individual responsibility.
Say you're driving by the scene of a recent car accident on the highway. You're late for work and you figure that someone else will call 911, so you do nothing. A diffusion of responsibility occurs when we assume that other motorists will call for help. Would the scenario be different if you weren't in a hurry? What if you were on a quiet back road in the countryside? What if you recognized the car as your friend's?
Summary
Acting to help others without an expectation of reward is considered socially responsible. It is also one aspect of human nature with roots in our biological origins. Beyond that, such behavior is socially desirable, bringing status and recognition to the participants.