Economic Freedom and Philanthropy

28 Pages Posted: 22 Jul 2021

See all articles by Jeremy Jackson

Jeremy Jackson

North Dakota State University - NDSU Center for the Study of Public Choice and Private Enterprise; North Dakota State University - Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics

Scott Beaulier

North Dakota State University

Date Written: July 19, 2021

Abstract

The correlations between economic freedom and human capabilities (e.g., income, health, education, happiness) are robust and well-documented. Using panel data for US charitable donations from itemized tax returns and the Economic Freedom of North America (EFNA) Index, we examine the state-level correlation between economic freedom and philanthropy in America. Contrary to common discourse, which points to economic freedom as a source of cultural and civic erosion, we find a strong correlation between economic freedom and charitable giving.

Keywords: Charitable giving, individualism, institutions

JEL Classification: B52, D64, I38

Suggested Citation

Jackson, Jeremy and Beaulier, Scott, Economic Freedom and Philanthropy (July 19, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3889560 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3889560

Jeremy Jackson (Contact Author)

North Dakota State University - NDSU Center for the Study of Public Choice and Private Enterprise ( email )

811 2nd Ave N.
Fargo, ND 58102
United States
7012317832 (Phone)
7012317400 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/pcpe/directory/jeremy_jackson/

North Dakota State University - Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics ( email )

Fargo, ND 58105
United States

Scott Beaulier

North Dakota State University

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