Volunteers: Everything You Wanted to Know About Them

Scholars who are looking for a reference book on research related to volunteering should check out Volunteers: A Social Profile published by Indiana University Press. Professors Marc A. Musick and John Wilson take an in-depth review of various studies on volunteering to provide a comprehensive analysis of the motivations of volunteers and the consequences of their work. Topics covered in the volume include the influence of demographic factors and social relationships. Here are a few observations and theories from the book:

“Given how similar givers and volunteers are, there is little evidence that people substitute charitable donations for volunteer work.” (p. 134)

“For a number of reasons, married couples tend to behave alike: either they both volunteer or neither volunteers.” (p. 240)

“Because volunteer work increases the number, variety, and quality of our social ties, it promises to protect us against illness and even prolong life. Social ties have a positive effect on our physical health not because they prevent illness but because they help us deal with them better and recover more quickly.” (p. 509)

The volume contains a thorough notes section and a detailed index.

Search the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature for more readings on voluntarism.