Who Really Cares: America's Charity Divide

by: Arthur Brooks

Published by: Basic Books

Reviewed by Dr. David Frisbie

Subtitled: Who Gives, Who Doesn't, and Why It Matters

Syracuse professor Arthur Brooks thought he knew the answer to his own question.He expected to find that liberals outgive conservatives, perhaps intending to serve as a motivator for political conservatives: get out there and start giving! Instead, the evidence surprised him so much that he first believed his findings were in error.

Skip to the end: Powerfully documented and impeccably researched, "Who Really Cares" may surprise you. For example: households headed by a conservative give 30 percent more to charity than liberal families, despite earning less money. Another example: those who actively express a religious faith are 38 percent more likely to give money to a good cause; they are 52 percent more likely to donate their time for charitable purposes.

Brooks is not just a statistician reciting raw data. He argues that charity benefits every level of society and helps improve the culture. "The evidence in this book shows that charity unleashes enormous benefits not only to the givers themselves, but also to their families, communities, and the nation." (p. 173) In writing the book, Brooks hopes to motivate a national discussion about the merits of giving away time and money to the good causes in our own neighborhoods and parishes.

Despite the challenge of rendering sociological data in readable form, Brooks writes with a clear, engaging style that encourages the reader to keep turning the pages. At the back of the book, an exhaustive section of appendices clarifies and supports Brooks' findings.

Armchair Interviews says: Readers who are interested in national and social policy will find this book enlightening.

Author's Web site: http://www.ArthurBrooks.net