Bridge to Benevolence: associations between refugee contact and monetary donations

Gokdemir Ö.

APPLIED ECONOMICS LETTERS, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13504851.2025.2491727
  • Journal Name: APPLIED ECONOMICS LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, EconLit, Geobase, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between refugee contact and charitable donations using LISS panel data from the Netherlands. The results indicate that informal contact with refugees during free time is positively associated with giving, while prejudice is negatively associated. Contact at work or school does not show a significant relationship with donation behaviour. In addition, altruistic values and volunteering in asylum centres are positively associated with charitable giving, while negative stereotypes are associated with lower levels of giving. These associations underscore the potential importance of informal social contacts in shaping prosocial attitudes towards refugees.