Browsing by Subject "Emerging Adults"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Differentiating Generations and Their Giving
    (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022) Herzog, Patricia Snell
    How much do Americans from different generations give to charitable and religious causes? To answer this question, giving patterns are first situated within historical, social, and technological changes segmenting one generation from the next. Additionally, the chapter summarizes life course development changes, specifically elongated transitions into adulthood and the relatively new life stage of emerging adulthood. Age and life stage intersection within generations, and the combination of these trends result in different approaches to organizational engagement. Younger generations tend to be more activity focused than organizationally loyal, and thus trends are reviewed based on action verbs, rather the organizationally based terms of prior generations. What was once work is now earning, education is now learning, religion to believing, volunteering to serving, and donating to giving. Across four data sources, the trends are consistent: younger Americans generally give less than prior generations. Adjusted for inflation and compared to prior generations at the same age, young people give an average of $180 less.
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    Growing Through Philanthropy
    (Lexham Press, 2022) Herzog, Patricia Snell; Goodwin, Jamie
    This chapter highlights the historical and contemporary connections between philanthropy and religious practice. Religious engagement is positively correlated with higher levels of charitable giving and volunteerism. Declining religious affiliation among emerging adults is linked to decreased philanthropic activity. The authors propose teaching philanthropy as a means to aid emerging adults in meaning-making and social engagement. Two undergraduate courses are described: “Giving and Volunteering in America” and “Philanthropy and the Social Sciences.” These courses employ critical pedagogical frameworks and emphasize experiential learning. Tips for teaching include recognizing the diversity of experiences among emerging adults; adapting philanthropic approaches to align with young people’s preferences for hands-on involvement and cause-oriented giving; using philanthropy as a potential bridge for reengagement with religion; and acknowledging the link between religious belief and giving behavior. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the potential of philanthropic engagement to help emerging adults find meaning and purpose, while also highlighting the continued importance of religion in shaping generous behaviors and social responsibility.