Question

Give an example of Altruism on a macro level, and micro level, and how the concept would be used to understand an issue involving a large group (macro-level) and small group (micro-level). 500 words

Answer 1

Pro-social behaviour also known as altruism, are actions that are done by individuals to help others in need without expecting anything in return. It is a tendency that many psychologists have tried to study and have developed theories asserting the reasons of engaging in such a behaviour. In today's world where humanity is fading away gradually, altruistic behaviour should be more and more encouraged.

But the question is what decides that whether we should indulge in helping or not. Many psychologists have come up with many theories of Pro-social behaviour such as:

1. Empathy-Altruism Model

This Model states that some pro-social acts are motivated solely by the desire to help someone in need.

2. Negative-State-Relief Model

This Model proposes that pro-social behaviour is motivated by the individual's desire to indulge in something positive to reduce their own negative or uncomfortable state of mind.

3. Empathetic-Joy Model

This Model simply states that it gives the individual a certain kind of reinforcement/reward or a sense of accomplishment when they help others.

4. Kin-Selection Theory

This theory is more inclined toward the evolutionary perspective of human species. It says that we as human beings proceed toward a common goal in life that is to get our genes into the next generation for which we have to help each other to make our species alive and healthy. thus, we end up helping others who share their genes with us.

Other than these theories, there are people who possess certain traits which make up a person's altruistic personality. It has been seen that people high in interpersonal trust engage in more pro-social acts than those people who distrust others. Thus, reflecting their upbringing and background to have possessed such a personality.These personality traits are:

-Empathy

-Belief in a just world

-Socially responsible

-Blaming internal locus of control

-Low Ego-centrism

Example of Altruism on a Macro Level

The recent event on Corona Virus outbreak has shook the world. It is a communicable disease that is spreading like a wildfire around Asia and no treatment has yet been developed to fully cure it. Nevertheless, the doctors, especially in Wuhan district of China are selflessly busy treating the patients. Reports have confirmed that many doctors and nurses are themselves suffering from Corona, yet they have not backed out from helping their patients. It is a huge compliment to the human side of helping others. Other examples also include soldiers who are constantly guarding on the borders so that we civilians sleep peacefully at night. They live away from their homes in such harsh conditions without uttering a word.

In a macro level (group) altruism can be measured in terms Bystander Effect in which one gets to realise the likelihood of him/her engaging in a pro-social act, determined by a series of decisions that must be made quickly by him/her. This is mostly seen is cases where an accident has happened and none of the people are coming forward to help from the group that might have gathered at the sight. A research was carried out by Latane and Darley (1970) which dug deeper into this phenomenon and found out that people are often confused in that moment as in what to do and proceed with the situation which led them to lose interest and avoid helping. But people who may possess the traits of altruism to a higher extent, would immediately start acting on it and revise ways of helping the victim. Psychologists call it Pluralistic Ignorance or Diffusion of Responsibility when no ones comes to help. There are many factors as to what might cause it but primarily the presence of multiple witnesses may inhibit helping not only because of the diffusion of responsibility but also because it is embarrassing to misinterpret a situation and to act inappropriately. This confusion further leads to the belief that "somebody will eventually help, thus, why me?"

Example of Altruism on a Micro Level

There may be millions of people within us who maybe helping others every second on a micro level which we are not even aware of. As simple as donating one's kidney to someone. The recent famous example being Selena Gomez's best friend donating her kidney to her when she was severely ill. It was a selfless act being done by an individual for an individual. Other than that we have so many genuine NGOs in the world that are working constantly for the poor, underprivileged class, women, child trafficking victims without thinking about the risks and consequences associated with it. Mother Teresa honoured in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta (India), was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, who has selflessly worked for people in need and also got the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1979.

However, when an accident happens in front of only one individual, the concept of diffusion of responsibility doesn't crop up and there is nobody to depend on and altruistic behaviour happens because the situation demands so. This might be the case of a 'forced' help. But when individuals actually come out to help, their affective component becomes high and empathy rises. This characteristic is also present in new borns and primates (Brother, 1990) (Ungerer et al, 1990). These people might undergo three types of affective cognitions. Firstly, they might imagine what if I was in his/her shoes and suffering. Secondly, one might think what the other person who needs help may be undergoing. Thirdly, they might feel empathy for a fictional character whom they might have witnessed in a movie or story (Batson, Early et al, 1997).

Conclusion

Altruism promotes positive attitude and a sense of empathy with our species which is very much required in today's world where we see war-like situations happening in almost every nation. It helps maintain global peace, universal brotherhood and 'human' in humanity.