Altruism

AltruismAltruism occurs when one individual, while jocking others, altruistically incurs a danger to themselves decreasing their chances of survival Sherman (1977). Two theories develop from altruism, birth selection possible dallyion and the theory of reciprocal altruism. Kin selection theory of altruism argues that altruism was developed to add-on the survival of relatives Hamilton (1964) and that acts of altruism should be directed towards family rather than non-relatives. (Trivers, 1971 Cosmides Tooby 1992) argued that the theory of reciprocal altruism is infact long-term cooperation and the avail that is given at the period entrust be reciprocated a nonher time in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to remember who has assistanceed them before and non offer each assistance to those who bemuse failed to reciprocate. For this theory to be successful it also requires a somewhat stable group as short term, migrating members may non be able to upkeep the promise to p erform the required act at a later date. The theories of kin selection and reciprocity, although seemingly various atomic number 18 not incompatible.Sadly, altruism does not always happen. Environmental factors lay out a very large part in whether an individual will engage in acts of altruism. Socialization, mannikinling and reinforcement play a pick out role in promoting pro-social behaviour and attitudes Eisenberg Mussen (1989) Janoski et al. (1998). When children argon exposed to models of kindness and benefactoring, be it from television or from others around them, they are more than likely to empower the welfare of humans and other animals above their own Sprafkin et al (1975). television programmes that show these acts influence a strong positive effect on the enamorers pro-social behaviour Hearold (1986).The norm of reciprocity and the norm of social right are especially rele caravant to swear outing behaviour (De Creamer van Lange, 2001 moth miller at al., 1 990). The norm of reciprocity that we should return the favour when soul treats you kindly and the norm of social responsibility expects that we should help others and contri providede to societys welfare. When we sleep together by these norms we are reinforced with praise and when we do not we life ungodliness and elate disapproval. In society we also notice when others receive praise for adhering to these norms. As humans get older, pro social norms, morality and values are internalized and form strong self reinforcements like self-esteem and satisfaction to maintain pro-social behaviour even when positive reinforcement is not available. Studies by Eisenberg Valiente (2002) confirm that socialization matters as children are more likely to act pro-socially when raised by parents who yield high moral step and are warm and supportive encouraging their children to feel empathy and to put themselves in other massess shoes (Janssens Dekovic, 1997 Krevans Gibbs, 1996).Belie fs about why and when to help have perplex cultural differences such as the study do by Miller (1990) who found that Hindu children and adults in India have the belief that one has a moral obligation to help friends or strangers no matter if the authority is mild or serious. When compared to the Indias Hindus way of thinking, American children and adults differ in their view and feel less obligated to help and regard as more of a choice Eckensberger Zimba (1997). Most pro social acts are done with the expectation of a reward of self reinforcement or a form of reciprocity but humans are capable of committing a selfless act of aiding someone without concern for ones wellbeing, an act of altruism. C. Daniel Batsons empathy altruism guess suggests that altruism does exist and is caused by empathy which is the ability to put oneself in the smudge of another and to share the emotions being felt by that person (Batson, 1991 Batson et al., 2002). In an experiment conducted by Batson et al (1981) egg-producing(prenominal) students empathy for another female who was an helper to the experiment was change magnitude and decreased by leading them to identify and call up that her values were similar and dissimilar to their own. The experiment is consistent with the empathy altruism surmisal showing that high empathy participants were most likely to voluntarily change places but is it mass reacting out of pure virtue of empathy or is it to avoid the ungodliness that may plague them for not interfering. The negative state relief model suggests that high empathy cause us to feel di adjudicate when we learn of others abject and by helping them relieve their own stress it reduces their personal stress making their actions non altruistic (Cialdini et al., 1997).The term safety in numbers doesnt infer well in emergencies and help the victim as the more people present encourages each person not to help because of social relation or diffusion of responsibility and i s more likely to occur when the bystanders are strangers and not kin or friends of the victim Latan Rodin (1969).Factors that explain why people may be helpful in some situations but not others.We are more likely to help when we are in a good mood (Salovey et al., 1991). Pre-exisiting guilt when were feeling guilty about something weve late done improvers helping Regan et al (1972). Even though feeling guilt and being helpful are two different actions guilt helps increase our likelihood of assisting others. Also when there is a model to follow such as someone helping a motorist or better-looking blood, this act increases social behaviour (Sarason et al., 1991). When we are not under pressure, have extra time and not in a hurry we help more.Factors that show why some people may receive help more than othersSimilarity A person is more likely to help and identify with the victims situation when the victim things similar to them such as dress, attitudes and nationality (Dovidio, 19 84). gender Women and men are equally likely to be helped by female bystanders but women are more likely to receive help more than men when aid is from a male bystander (Eagly Crowley, 1986).Perceived Responsibility When someone is in need of help and their situation is viewed as something caused by factors beyond their control, they are more likely to receive help such as people who have been affected by a natural accident versus homeless people who are perceived to be unwilling to compute (Blader Tyler, 2002 Weiner, 1996).Lerner (1980)s just world hypothesis suggests that people believe that the world is a just place and the rule of karma prevails. They perceive that people get what they be and deserve what they get. These beliefs have the effect on some to conclude that persons who have misfortunes such as being raped or contracting help deserve their fate (Ford et al., 1998 Wyer et al., 1985) thereby justifying why they shouldnt help the individual as there is no respons ibility to help.A way to increase Pro-social demeanor is through mandatory volunteerism which is used in the academic and corporate world. Participants increased volunteerism in later life from these acts are not consistent as seen in research done by (Janoski et al., 1998Stukas, 1999). Their research show that the payoff depends on personal rewards that the volunteers will receive and the awareness of human needs.A second approach which is consistent to the social learning theory is the impression of pro social models to people. This is used to promote blood drives and increase donations (Sarason et al., 1991).When feelings of empathy are established and people are properly socialized will increase the chances of those people helping others Eisenberg (2000) as well as those who feel a close connection to their communities will feel socially responsible to help others Clark, M (1978).If society is educated and exposed to helping models and information, bystander intervention may be decreased and the tendency to help others in an emergency, increased Beaman, A.L. et al (1978).