Distinguish between Altruism and Pro-Social behaviour Social Responsibility

Before we get stuck into this new topic, ask the person/people next to you: What do you think is meant by ‘social responsibility?’

Altruism Is Wesley Autrey a hero? Would you have reacted in the same way?

Altruism Is Wesley Autrey a hero? Would you have reacted in the same way? Now look at the handout and ask a partner the questions.

What is pro-social behaviour?

Helping others Donating time, effort or money Helping in an emergency situation Helping in an non-emergency situation Cooperating rather than competing

What is pro-social behaviour? Can you think of some examples of pro-social behaviour from your own life?

What is altruism?

Benefiting another at one’s own expense Risking or losing one’s life to save another’s Selfless helping

Altruism Can you think of any examples of altruism from your own life?

So what’s the difference between altruism and pro-social behaviour?

PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR : Action intended to benefit another Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior. Behaviors that are carried out with the goal of helping other people ALTRUISM: Action intended solely to benefit another and thus not to gain external or internal reward Unselfish regard for the welfare of others Pro-social behaviors a person carries out without considering his or her own safety or interests.

Theoretical perspectives on helping behavior: Prosocial behavior: any act intended to help others regardless of the helpers motives Altruism: acts intended to help others with no expectation of personal gain Evolutionary Perspective Socio-Cultural Perspective Social-Cognitive Perspective

Evolutionary Perspective: Prosocial behavior: Altruism Evolutionary Perspective animal examples tendency to help others: – survival value mutual/reciprocal altruism self preservation versus altruism: – predisposed to both

Socio-Cultural Perspective: Prosocial behavior: Altruism Socio-cultural Perspective Social Norms: norm of social responsibility: – help those who depend on us norm of reciprocity: – help those who help us norm of social justice: – rules about fairness and the just distribution of resources – equity principle: inequity = pressure to redistribute

Socio-Cultural Research: Prosocial behavior: Altruis m Socio-cultural Perspective Reciprocity Norm Study:

Social-Cognitive Perspective: Prosocial behavior: Altruis m Social-cognitive Perspective Cognitive/Decision-Making Steps: Need Perception What Help and How Personal Responsibility Costs/Benefits Assessment

Need Perception: Prosocial behavior: Altruism Social-cognitive Perspective Need Perception interpretation is vital: – ambiguous versus unambiguous cues cues for interpretation as emergency: – sudden/unexpected – clear threat of harm to victim – harm increases without intervention – victim is helpless – effective intervention is possible