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Famine Exposure and Individual Philanthropic Donations: Less Generosity or More?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Tang Tiantian and
Jin YongjieOpen the ORCID record for Jin Yongjie[Opens in a new window]
Tang Tiantian*
Affiliation:
School of Government, Nanjing University, Nanjing, ChinaHumphery School of Public Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
Jin Yongjie*
Affiliation:
School of Government, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
*
Azulduree@outlook.com
jinyongjie@smail.nju.edu.cn
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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between famine exposure and individual philanthropic donations, drawing on data from the 2012 China Family Panel Survey and the 1982 Population Census of China. By analyzing the long-term impact of the 1959–1961 Chinese famine on survivors' donation behaviors, we aim to understand how such man-made severe life experiences influence philanthropic actions. We employed a cohort difference-in-difference method to assess the severity of famine exposure and its correlation with donation tendencies. Our results show a significant association between famine exposure and an increased likelihood of making donations, with political trust identified as a key channel. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how historical and personal experiences shape philanthropic behavior, emphasizing the need for models of donor behavior that incorporate the lasting effects of traumatic events. This research not only provides valuable insights into the motivations behind individual donations but also highlights the importance of considering life course perspectives in the study of charitable donation behavior. By integrating historical trauma into our analysis, we offer a comprehensive view of the factors driving philanthropic actions, underscoring the enduring impact of early life experiences on charitable giving.

Keywords

Charitable donationsImprint theoryFamine experienceLife course

Information

Type
Research Paper
Information
Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations , Volume 36 , Issue 5 , October 2025, pp. 716 - 731
Copyright
Copyright © International Society for Third-Sector Research 2025

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