Why do people volunteer?

Question

Should I use Symbollic Interactionism or Social Exchange theory to write a paper on the reasons why people volunteer, and donate to charities?

http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111-01/IntroTheories/Symbolic.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_exchange_theory

Or do you have a better theory I should use?

Thank you

Answer 1

because they like to give back to society I volunteered at the Capuchian Soup Kitchen for over 2 years because when I neede food they were there for me

Answer 2

People volunteer to:

-- gain job experience

-- see first hand how a particular organization works or how a particular cause is addressed

-- they want a formal association with an organization or cause

-- have fun

-- have a sense that they are making a difference in a cause they care about OR that they feel angry about

-- engage in activities they enjoy