Having Less But Giving More: Evidence From China
利用2010-2020年中国家庭追踪调查数据，发现低收入家庭（尤其是收入仅满足基本生活需求的家庭）的慈善捐赠占收入比例高于中高收入家庭，宗教归属和公共援助对低收入家庭的捐赠比例有更强的正向影响。
The impact of income placement on the percentage of income given has been widely studied in developed countries, but little attention has been given to the issue in developing countries. We investigate the variance in the giving/income share among different income groups by employing China Family Panel Studies data from 2010 to 2020 and find that low-income households, especially those whose income meets basic living needs, donate a greater fraction of income to charity than middle- and high-income households do. Both religious affiliation and receiving public assistance have stronger positive effects on the percentage of income given among low-income households than among those in middle- and high-income groups. Our findings provide evidence on which income group gives higher ratio of income to charity in a developing country. Based on our findings, providing assistance for low-income households by religions and public transfers may be a reasonable option for sustainable development of charitable causes.