But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
“If men and women have such different opinions and tastes when it comes to giving to charity, how do heterosexual married couples make giving decisions? A study using self-reported data collected from 3,572 American households found that single men and women displayed their generosity differently.
Men’s giving was more sensitive to income and tax incentives, and they tended to give more money to fewer charities, whereas women tended to give less money to a greater variety of charities. When it came to married people, donations varied depending on who was making the giving decisions.
In households where one spouse took on the responsibility, the decisions tended to mirror that spouse’s expected preferences and influences. However, in households where husbands and wives made joint decisions, these decisions more closely resembled the husband’s expected preferences. Joint decision-making also depressed the overall amount of money donated by an estimated six percent.”
Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.
Thanks to all those who have expressed gratitude for this interesting research.
All glory to God for guiding me to look at recent studies. Also thanks for all those who prayed for a great “Leaders Dinner” last night in Sliač, Slovakia (pictured above). It could not have gone better. A peer accountability movement is taking shape in Eastern Europe.
The data about giving decisions with couples grips us.
Men go deeper in their giving, while women spread donations more widely. And yet, ouch! It’s sad to hear that when men lead the decision making process the results get depressed rather than driven upward.
Instead of drawing any personal conclusions or point fingers, please consider your situation.
Do you give with your head or your heart? How can your spouse strengthen your giving deeper and/or wider? What year over year impact do you want to see? Why aim together at growing in the grace of giving?