Map of Altruistic America: Are Southerners Really “Nicer”?

Abstract

Many Americans believe that Southerners are nicer, friendlier, and more generous. While it’s inappropriate to generalize on such a scale as to call a certain region as a whole kind, rude, boring, dumb, etc., there are certainly some characteristics that are associated with the deep-rooted traditions of certain places. This study examines the regional differences in altruistic behavior (i.e. charitable volunteering and giving), both the region in which one grew up in as well as the region in which one current resides. I find that once religion is controlled for, people that grew up in the South are the least altruistic people in America.