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The Value Of Volunteer Labor And The Factors Influencing Participation: Evidence For The United States From 2002 Through 2005

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  • Yvon H. Pho

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of people who volunteered rose from 59.8 million in 2002 to 65.4 million in 2005. Those volunteering benefit from their activity in various ways; however, these benefits are non‐pecuniary and are generally not recognized in the national economic accounts used to measure gross domestic product (GDP). This paper uses data from the 2002–05 Current Population Survey Volunteer Supplements to assign a dollar value to volunteering. Different methodologies yield annual estimates from $116 to $153 billion (in 2005 dollars) over the four years (between 0.9 and 1.3 percent of 2005 GDP). Additionally, characteristics of individuals most likely to volunteer are identified. The volunteer rate varies by demographic characteristics in addition to geographic location, labor force participation, and business sector. Furthermore, the data suggest that volunteering is a “normal good” because participation increases with income even after controlling for observables.

Suggested Citation

  • Yvon H. Pho, 2008. "The Value Of Volunteer Labor And The Factors Influencing Participation: Evidence For The United States From 2002 Through 2005," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 54(2), pages 220-236, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:revinw:v:54:y:2008:i:2:p:220-236
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4991.2008.00271.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter Tyler & Colin Warnock & Allan Provins & Bruno Lanz, 2013. "Valuing the Benefits of Urban Regeneration," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 50(1), pages 169-190, January.
    2. Franz Hackl & Martin Halla & Gerald Pruckner, 2012. "Volunteering and the state," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 151(3), pages 465-495, June.
    3. Jonathan T. Rothwell, 2012. "The Effects of Racial Segregation on Trust and Volunteering in US Cities," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(10), pages 2109-2136, August.
    4. Alzuabi, Raslan & Brown, Sarah & Taylor, Karl, 2022. "Charitable behaviour and political affiliation: Evidence for the UK," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    5. Ortega, Jason A. & Park, Chul Hyun, 2022. "The benefit and cost of voluntary work in government: The case of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew Program," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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