Selected Demographic Variables in Altruism

Individuals receiving wallets (86 males and 2 females) at selected locations in Seattle were unobtrusively observed and sex of retriever, an age estimate, dress type, and location of drop were recorded. The return of an intact wallet ($1.25 in cash and contents such as pictures) was used as a measure of altruism. The wallets were dropped in the entrance to an adult bookstore (specializing in erotica) and in the entrance to a regular paperback bookstore, both locations in the downtown area. An identification card coded for location of drop with an address and telephone number was included so that wallets could be returned to the supposed owners. The extant research on altruism has thus far turned up few powerful personality influences (3). In this study, dress type (suit, casual, or clothes) was used as a rough estimate of socioeconomic status and was significantly (X% 8.7, df = 2, p < .02) related to altruism. Of those in the suic/sportcoat category, i.e., wearing tie and coat, 65% returned intact wallets, 54% of those in the casual category, i.e., slacks and sports shirt, did so, whereas only 20% of those in the work clothes category, i.e., khakies, jeans or uniform, did so. This difference could not be accounted for by differential composition of patrons at the two stores nor by the ages of those returning the wallets. One might predict this finding on the basis of need for money, but it is also consistent with Berkowitz' ( 1, 2 ) formulation concerning altruism in the various social classes, namely, that lower-class individuals are more influenced by the norm of reciprocity and segments of the middle-class more by the norm of social responsibility. Although the cause of such a difference cannot be attributed to this source for certain, data are consistent with the earlier findings. In addition, significantly more (X' = 5.5, df = 1, p < .02) patrons of the paperback store returned intact wallets (75% ) than did patrons of the erotic bookstore (44% ) . This finding may be due to a generalized factor of moral behavior since rhere were no differences in dress between the stores or to some unobserved variables. Of those exiting the paperback store 86% returned the wallets, while 67% of those entering did so. Of persons exiting the pornographic bookstore, 50% returned the wallets compared to 38% of those entering, a nonsignificant difference. These data do indicate that exposure to erotic stimuli did not lead to an increase in the antisocial behavior of stealing.