Is guilt an ethical tool to get people to give money to a worthwhile cause?

Question

My son who is in kindergarten came home with his "wish list" of books he saw at a school book fair. These books are all priced higher then they are at the store because the extra is going to buy new books for the school library.
Where I question the ethics is that my son thinks these are the books he is getting, not simply asking for. So either I have to buy these books or feel guilty about disappointing my son.
Do the people that plan this ever acknowledge this is the tactic they are using or do they justify it somehow?

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure charitable organizations knowingly capitalize on the guilt feelings of prospective givers.
They most likely think that their "noble" ends justify their less than noble means.
And that's how and why the term "compassion fatigue" got started.

Answer 2

In a backwards way, I think they do acknowledge the guilt. I think that, in certain cases, guilt is the primary motivating factor that prompts people to "do good things."

You should not feel guilty about this. If you don't want to buy the books, don't buy the books. Remember, though, that you have the opportunity to teach your son to do good things. I would suggest finding an alternative to help ease your son's disappointment while still teaching him to give back to the community. Perhaps you might try some type of family activity with less fortunate people? Or reading to kids at the library with your son? Do something to show that you aren't just being cheap-- instead, teach him that you are selective with your time and money, and that just because someone "guilts" you into supporting a cause doesn't mean you are a bad person for not opting to support it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I guess that what this question really boils down to is this: "is there ever a point in which coercive measures (like guilt) are justified by the cause, or does the inclusion of such measures negate the goodness of the cause itself?" I in no way know the answer to that (it's really rather deep, and the ramifications are HUUUGE. For example, if the end justifies the means, [scenario one] then wouldn't it make sense to immediately kill every sexually active person with HIV who doesn't use protection, thereby eliminating the problem?) to blow the overpriced-library-book question wildly out of proportion, the answer to your question is the answer to the question "are moral concepts absolute, or are they subject to the appearance of a "greater cause"? sorry to waste your time with my philosophical mumbling. eh, I'd just make a donation to the library, then buy the books on amizon.com.

Answer 4

Seems like they could pick either a better fund raiser or at least make the extra amount voluntary. In a way it is a little like emotional blackmail using your child as a way of getting you to buy the books. Humm that is troubling and when you think about it, why should they have to have a fund raiser at all? Should not the funds be there for schools and education?

Answer 5

I don't know what the ethics of this whole thing are, but you could solve your problem by explaining to your son the differences between 'want' and 'need' and what a 'wish' list really is. If you look at your specific case, the school isn't really using guilt on you, your son is using guilt on you.

Answer 6

The marketing is not usually planned on guilt. If it happens, it is something you have to deal with. As a mom and grandmother, I have experienced the attempt to guilt me into buying books, whether intentional or in the case of your small child, probably not. Talk to someone on the PTO board and air your concerns. In the meantime, at home, have your child earn points doing something to help around the house, and then reward him with a trip to a discount bookstore. I have even gone to the shop at the front of the library, where they have the friends of the library bookstore... you can get a gently used book for less than $2. Go online and read up on the books that have gotten awards (Newberry is one category) for childrens' authors. Compare that list to what is on the list of books available in the school fundraiser. If they are not designated gold, silver or bronze awards, explain to your child you cannot buy them. It will get them into the habit of looking for a better "read" as well. Also mention to the PTO that you would like to support them, but it is their job to bring you something you would really like your child to have.... a book with a writing award.

Answer 7

People think anything is "good" if it's going to a good cause. My advice, buy one or two books off his list from the school, then buy the rest at a bookstore or Amazon. That way your son gets all the books he wants (be glad he likes books!) and you can feel good about contributing to the library without feeling ripped off!

Answer 8

You know Super Dad, the people that do those book fairs, etc. are all volunteer parents. I'm sure they don't feel it is a tactic or feel the need to justify it to parents that don't volunteer, but feel some need to ***** about those of us that do. If you don't want to dip in your pocket, then at least show up to the next PTA or whatever meeting, and offer your time.

Answer 9

I know your question- and I would say no - it is not ethical.

However it is very effective and therefor utilized by many book sellers, specifically - children's books. However, this is no different than advertisers on tv who flaunt their toys and make them more desirable to youngsters by showing other children having oodles and oodles of fun.

I would say most do acknowledge this, but the coutner measure to this is to explain to your son that these books are not available tohim for wahtever reason you have. Explain to him that he will get other books- when you feel it is right for him to get them. This was how it was explained ot me by my parents, I understood, and I did get some books- later on. Ones my parents did not have to pay a premium, and were able to donate to whom they chose, for the right reasons, not from guilt.

Do not feel quilty, it is your decision, and you have every right not to participate in these underhanded tactics.

Answer 10

Of course it is a marketing tactic! Look at the rest of the world of advertising. Sex, success, fame, money, and also attacking your self esteem, sense of security, and self actualization. Reaching you through your children seems to fit in perfectly.There are numerous ways that the world tries to get your appeal,and there are no ethical boundaries, only legal. I suggest you act on your own opinion and explain to your son, truthfully, why you have that opinion. Don't feel guilty. He will always love you, I'm sure of it.