Ethnoracial Differences in Volunteerism Among Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lai Patrick Ho Lam
Primary Institution: Boston College
Hypothesis
Socioeconomic resources are not the primary driver behind ethnoracial disparities in volunteerism among older adults.
Conclusion
Asian older adults have lower volunteerism rates compared to White individuals and other ethnoracial groups, even when accounting for income and education.
Supporting Evidence
- White individuals have 1.42 times the odds of participating in formal volunteerism compared to Asians.
- Other ethnoracial groups show 1.09 to 1.31 times the odds of Asians in volunteerism.
- Asians are the least likely to volunteer compared to both White individuals and other ethnoracial groups.
Takeaway
This study found that older Asian Americans volunteer less than older White Americans and other groups, even though they have similar resources.
Methodology
Bivariate probit models were estimated using data from the 2019 and 2021 Current Population Survey.
Limitations
The study may not account for all cultural factors influencing volunteerism.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, with a focus on Asian Americans compared to other ethnoracial groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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