Formal and Informal Volunteering in Hungary: Similarities and Differences

Abstract

There are several studies on volunteerism in Hungary but its formal (organizational) and informal (non-organizational) statistical differentiation has still not been in focus yet. Two comprehensive questions of my article are the following: is there a real, “qualitative” difference between Hungarian formal and informal volunteers. If yes, which is the more up-to-date form contributing to community development and local development? My general hypothesis is that the group of organizational and non-organizational volunteers significantly differs from each other, and formal volunteerism is the frame which rather corresponds to current needs. This means that: (1) formal volunteerism is the type which strengthens frequency of activity more effectively; (2) it is preferred by higher social status holders; (3) and it is moved by “modern” motivations. These expectations are tested on databases recorded on voluntary work and donation in 1994 and 2005. The hypotheses are essentially confirmed, the contradictions are discussed in more detail below.