Channelizing Alms for Welfare: A Study on the Potential for Redirecting Resources to Support Needy Communities and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing almsgiving behavior in Pakistan, utilizing primary survey data. Employing propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, we examine the impact of socio-economic characteristics, beliefs, and attitudes on the likelihood of giving alms. Our findings reveal that being female are more likely to involve in almsgiving process based on witchcraft, and avoiding bad, significantly increase the propensity to give alms. Conversely, a belief in numerology and holding fixed deposits are associated with a lower likelihood of almsgiving. The high Chi-square statistics and Pseudo R-squared value indicate a strong model fit. Further analysis using matching techniques suggests a preference for in-kind almsgiving over cash. These findings offer valuable insights into the motivations behind charitable giving in this specific cultural and socio-religious context, with implications for policy interventions aimed at enhancing their philanthropic role rather than whimsical.

Key words: Almsgiving, Charitable Giving, Socio-economic Factors, Beliefs, Pakistan, Logistic Regression, Matching Techniques.