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Voluntary Sector Review
An international journal of third sector research, policy and practice

Religion and episodic volunteering

Authors: Henrietta Grönlund1, Ram A. Cnaan2, Chulhee Kang3, Naoto Yamauchi4, Sara Compion5, and Jacqueline Butcher6
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  • 1 University of Helsinki, , Finland
  • | 2 University of Pennsylvania, USA and Kyung Hee University, , South Korea
  • | 3 Yonsei University, , South Korea
  • | 4 Osaka University, , Japan
  • | 5 Kean University, , USA
  • | 6 CIESC, Tecnológico de Monterrey, , Mexico
Article Category:
Research Article
Copyright:
© Policy Press 2021
Online Publication Date:
29 Nov 2021
Pages:
1–22
Publisher:
Policy Press
Volume/Issue:
Early View
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1332/204080521X16352770684838
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Connections between religion and volunteering have been widely documented. Religion is a key motivating factor for volunteering in religious settings and elsewhere. Episodic volunteering is one of the fastest-growing forms of volunteering, but literature on episodic volunteering and religion is scarce. In this article, we analyse connections between religion and religiosity, and episodic volunteering. First, we identify types of episodic volunteers at religious events. Second, we use a set of three independent variables (declared religious denomination, importance of religion and spiritual motivation) to understand episodic volunteering participation. Third, we examine whether those who volunteer both episodically and regularly are more religious. Finally, we identify differences across religious affiliations. Using data from a cross-national survey, we apply different data segments in each area of our study. Our findings suggest that episodic volunteers are influenced by religion and religiosity, with especially strong connections among Protestants. We conclude with suggestions for future research.

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Henrietta Grönlund1, Ram A. Cnaan2, Chulhee Kang3, Naoto Yamauchi4, Sara Compion5, and Jacqueline Butcher6
  • 1 University of Helsinki, , Finland
  • | 2 University of Pennsylvania, USA and Kyung Hee University, , South Korea
  • | 3 Yonsei University, , South Korea
  • | 4 Osaka University, , Japan
  • | 5 Kean University, , USA
  • | 6 CIESC, Tecnológico de Monterrey, , Mexico

henrietta.gronlund@helsinki.fi
cnaan@upenn.edu
chulheekang@yonsei.ac.kr
yamauchi@osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp
scompion@kean.edu
jacqueline.butcher@ciesc.org.mx

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