The Social Marketing of Giving

Abstract

Despite significant government efforts to bolster individual philanthropy, giving by individuals (as a percentage of household income) has remained remarkably static and participation in many western countries is declining. This article explores the role that governments might play in facilitating growth, from a social marketing perspective. Drawing on research from multiple domains this article proposes an easily accessible and actionable framework (1) to inform public policy and (2) to guide further impactful academic research, with the objective of increasing both participation in, and the monetary value of, individual giving.     

The Economics of Race and Discrimination

Argues that the poverty of minorities is rarely the result of discrimination. Cultural traits are far more important. State intervention to protect minorities effectively subsidises discrimination and free markets impose costs on the prejudiced.     

The Law and Economics of Marriage Contracts

Growth in property ownership has raised the stakes in the distribution of financial assets on divorce. Given high risks of marital failure, this has stimulated the demand for private ordering through enforceable marriage contracts. This paper surveys the existing law and economics literature and legal practice to consider the state of knowledge on the economic theory, scope and limits of written nuptial agreements.     

The CAP and the Economics of Regulation

Are the effects of regulation always bad? Catherine Blight of the University of Edinburgh argues that in certain circumstances regulation can offer a ‘second-best’ solution.     

The Reality and Diversity of Buddhist Economics

This essay develops three central points:

1. Buddhist economics (BE), like most religion‐based economics, is not only an extrapolation from the basic texts but is also how BE has recently been practiced. Examples of that practice include the application of the concept of “Gross National Happiness” in Bhutan, the implementation of a “sufficiency economy” in Thailand, and action based on the principle of the Unification of King and People in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
2. BE as a concept comes originally from an outside understanding of Buddhism that entails perspectives that text‐based BE might not have.
3. Buddhism, as such, is at odds with standard textbook economics (STE). BE thus potentially forms its own economic paradigm, but BE as practiced often coexists with STE.

Discussing these points will hopefully result in seeing that there is considerable diversity within BE and that there is such a thing as real, existing BE that truly does matter.     

The Diffusion of Heterodox Economics

Heterodox economics is in part defined by exclusion from orthodox circles and there is an understandable tendency for heterodox economists to engage primarily with each other outside these circles. Yet the critique offered by heterodoxy speaks more widely. This study examines the diffusion of heterodox economic ideas beyond the immediate confines via an analysis of the citation of heterodox economic journals by other journals. The diffusion of heterodox economics across wider disciplines is traced utilizing data from Emerald, Wiley, and Sage bibliographic databases. Employing the techniques of social network analysis, key journals in the diffusion process are identified, with implications for heterodox economics publishing strategy and engagement in valuation processes.