Why do young people donate to social justice causes? A new study from Fordham GSS faculty members Laura Wernick, Ph.D., and Derek Tice-Brown, Ph.D., found spirituality may be a driving motivation.
The study, titled “Moving Money to Support Social Justice Movements: A Spiritual Practice” and published in the Journal of Community Psychology, explored why people donate to social justice causes and found that spiritual motivation was a predominant factor in how much people gave, especially wealthy activists in secular (non-religious) social justice groups. Interestingly, the specific religion someone practiced (or didn’t practice) wasn’t as important as their sense of spirituality, which Wernick et. al defined as a feeling of connection to others and a desire to make the world better. This differs from religion, which is typically connected to personal beliefs or practices within a church or other religious organization.
The study found that wealthy activists who felt spiritually motivated gave more money to support social justice causes and often changed how they gave. They donated in ways that put decision-making power into the hands of people directly affected by social issues, such as through giving circles (groups that pool resources and make collective decisions) and multi-year donations that support long-term needs. These donors were also more open about their class and privilege and, in some cases, even started practices like shareholder activism and land redistribution.
Overall, the study suggests that if organizers focus on building values of interconnectedness, healing, and shared responsibility into social justice efforts, it may encourage wealthy donors to give more to these causes in ways that support real change.
Co-authors of this article also include GSS doctoral program alumni Daniela R. Jimenez, Ph.D., and MSW alumni Blythe L. Robbins, who also served as a research assistant to Dr. Wernick as a student.
