The dependent variable of the independent sector: the definition and measurement of giving and volunteering

This paper addresses three topics to which researchers should turn their attention in regard to the dependent variable of giving and volunteering. The first is to develop an expanded definition of philanthropy revolving around the notion of gift and the relations of exchange and around the theological virtue of charity and the emotional dispositions of care, altruism, and love of neighbour. The second is to attend to measurement problems in regard to operationalising giving and volunteering; obtaining comparable information from givers and non-givers; improving the reliability of the data, including an effort to reduce the amount of missing data; and establishing a consistent unit of analysis. The third direction is to conduct some innovative research activity to obtain better measures and understandings of giving and volunteering, including development of a diary study, closer analysis of the relationship between class and giving, and attention to measuring the social effects or outcomes of philanthropic activity.An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Conference on Charitable Statistics sponsored by the New York University School of Law Program on Philanthropy and the Law, Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, Duke University Center for the Study of Philanthropy and Voluntarism, Washington, D.C., 8 May 1992.