GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES - THE EFFECTS OF RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, RELIGIOSITY, AND DESERVEDNESS ON GENEROSITY TOWARD THE POOR

Few studies in recent sociological literature include detailed analysis of how religious affiliation and religiosity affect perceptions of the poor. In this paper, data from the 1986 GSS Factorial Survey Supplement are wed to examine the effects of religion affiliation and religiosity on generosity toward poor families, and on factors which affect such generosity. The analysis suggests that religious affiliation has a strong relationship with levels of generosity, and that indicators of deservedness vary among faith groups.