Regional and Seasonal Effects on Contributions by Us Households: An Analysis of the 2004 Consumer Expenditure Survey

19 Pages Posted: 17 Jul 2006

See all articles by Diane Hite

Diane Hite

Auburn University - Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology

Jeanne K. Lindsey

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Risk Management Agency

Date Written: July 10, 2006

Abstract

We use 2004 Consumer Expenditure Survey data to determine factors influencing cash contributions by US households. We extend the literature by using a sample selection model that incorporates seasonal and regional effects. Additionally, the analysis is done by giving type: charitable, family, political and total giving. All income elasticities are found to be inelastic (0.09-0.26), and less so than their corresponding expenditure elasticities (0.43-0.59). Evidence of seasonal, regional and population effects is found for both incidence and levels of charitable giving. Elasticities are larger in the south for all giving, and are also larger during the first quarter of the year.

Keywords: Charitable giving, altruism, sample selection model

JEL Classification: H31,A13,D31

Suggested Citation

Hite, Diane and Lindsey, Jeanne K., Regional and Seasonal Effects on Contributions by Us Households: An Analysis of the 2004 Consumer Expenditure Survey (July 10, 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=916100 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.916100

Diane Hite (Contact Author)

Auburn University - Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology ( email )

Comer Hall
Auburn, AL 36849
United States
334-844-5655 (Phone)
334-844-5639 (Fax)

Jeanne K. Lindsey

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Risk Management Agency ( email )

Valdosta Regional Office
106 S. Patterson Street, Suite 250
Valdosta, GA 31605
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
145
Abstract Views
949
Rank
362,717
PlumX Metrics