Motivational Differences Between Black and White Volunteers

Abstract
Several studies have suggested that both altruistic and egoistic motiva tions help to explain why people choose to volunteer. These theories have been applied universally without regard to cultural differences among volunteer groups. To refine these theories, comparisons were performed between black and white volunteers of a Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency in a southwestern city. The black volunteers were significantly more likely to report altruistic reasons for volunteering than their white counterparts.