Prosocial Behavior. Commom, motivational determinants in contexts of social exclusion and scarcity of environmental resources

Abstract

Prosocial behavior is defined as an extensive category of intentional acts, including helping behavior, altruism, cooperation and solidarity, oriented towards benefitting other people. In this sense, pro-environmental behavior is a specific variant of prosocial behavior that may be defined as those acts that intentionally seeks to minimize the negative impact of one¿s actions on the environment. In our societies civic cooperation, assistance, and solidarity are becoming increasingly necessary. More and more individuals are experiencing social exclusion, resulting for example in job loss, eviction from their homes, and even complete marginalization. Moreover, The seriousness of the risks related to human action on the planet and the urgency to make decisions capable of slowing down or halting environmental unsustainability, led some authors to use the ¿planetary emergency¿ expression. Promotion in individuals, groups and communities of prosocial and pro-environmental behavior encourages the development of networks that facilitate coexistence and well-being in healthier social and environmental contexts. Thus, it seems relevant to search for keys that would assist in promoting prosocial and pro-environmental decision-making among individuals and groups.