Gender and Altruism

Altruism is “a special form of helping behavior that is voluntary, costly, and motivated by a
desire to improve another person’s welfare, rather than by the anticipation of reward” (Deaux,
Dane, and Wrightsman, 1993). It is the “helping behavior that is beneficial to others but clearly
requires self-sacrifice” (Feldman, 2002). As far as willingness to indulge into altruistic behavior
or self-sacrifice, for others’ welfare is concerned, more females than males report this
willingness. However, there is no clear cut empirical evidence to suggest if there are any
differences in the actual performance of altruistic behavior (Rushton et al., 1986; Sennecker, and
Hendrick, 1983). Women are more likely to provide help and emotional support in connection
with their traditional role as nurturers (Brody, 1990; Eagly, and Crowley, 1986; Pleck, 1985).
However in situations involving dangerous emergencies, men are more likely to intervene. In a
study reported by Huston and others (1981), all people in their sample, who intervene to stop
criminals, were men. As part of their traditional role, males are expected to behave heroically in
dangerous situations. Men and woman both may consider the consequences of their behaviors in
risky situations, but their perceptions and patterns may be different. Men may perceive the costs
of intervening in risky situations to be lower than women do, since men are physically stronger
and more likely to have relevant skills such as self-defense training (Huston et al., 1981).