Prosocial Behaviour

Introduction

This essay will discuss prosocial behavior with reference cultural factors, socialisation of prosocial behavior within the family the child’s individual characteristics. Firstly, prosocial behavior will be defined. Secondly, the cultural determinants of prosocial behavior will be outlined. Thirdly, how prosocial behavior is socialized in the family will be stated. Fourthly, the impact of the child’s individual characteristics on prosocial behavior will be shown.

Prosocial behavior is described as a voluntary behavior in order to benefit someone else (Eisenberg & Fabes, 1998). This prosocial behavior such as sharing, helping, sympathy and empathy form an important part of the social interactions. It has been studied in terms of where these behaviors come from. There are various theories regarding the prosocial behavioral tendencies of individuals. Prosocial behavior is regarded by Reber (1995), as a “descriptive label for those social behaviours that are cooperative in nature”.There are various theories regarding the prosocial behavioral tendencies of individuals. The influence of Piaget’s & Kohlberg’s moral development theories plays a significant role in the advances in prosocial behavioral theories. Existing research investigates connections between personality, family dynamics, culture, temperament, peer relations and moral development. To illustrate Eisenberg and Fabes' quote (1998) that prosocial behavior is an outcome of a combination of many factors, three of the major factors will be examined in this essay i.e. cultural, socialization and individual characteristics.

Prosocial behavior was defined as "behaviors that are positively responsive to others' needs and welfare" (Radke-Yarrow & Zahn-Waxler, 1986, p. 208). Prosocial or altruistic behavior is seen in actions that benefit others without expecting any reward (Berk, 2013). Altruistic behavior is a voluntary, moral act which benefits others (Bar-Tal, Raviv, & Leiser,...