In this episode, Fred Lawrence speaks with Professor Daniel Hungerman, a professor of economics at the University of Notre Dame. Hungerman discusses his unique academic journey, which led him to specialize in the economics of religious and charitable organizations. He explains his research on how tax policies have a measurable impact on charitable giving in the United States, also delving into the field of "generosity in economics” and how charitable donations directly impact the economy as we know it. Hungerman also touches on the long-term impact of the first Earth Day, using weather data to show how a single event can have a lasting positive influence on environmental attitudes and health.  
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Daniel Hungerman

Daniel Hungerman is Professor of Economics at the University of Notre Dame. Professor Hungerman is also a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His current research includes work on religion in America today and on the determinants of philanthropic activity. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, The Economist, Reader’s Digest, CNN, Fox News, and many other outlets, and has been funded by various organizations including the NIH and the John Templeton Foundation. He is the former Executive Director of the Association for the Study of Religion Economics, and Culture, and is the President of the Association for the Study of Generosity in Economics. He also enjoys teaching at Notre Dame and has been recognized by the university for promoting excellence in undergraduate instruction.

About Key Conversations 

 

Key Conversations with Phi Beta Kappa is a podcast featuring in-depth conversations between Fred Lawrence, Secretary/CEO of Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars. With a new episode released monthly, each podcast invites listeners to take a seat at the table to learn more about the featured Scholar's background, research, and how they have taken their respective paths to where they are now, and where they are headed. 

Since 1956, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program has been offering undergraduates the opportunity to spend time with some of America's most distinguished scholars. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between the Visiting Scholars and the resident faculty and students.​
 

Our Host

Frederick M. Lawrence is the 10th Secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. An accomplished scholar, teacher and attorney, he is one of the nation’s leading experts on civil rights, free expression, and bias crimes. Learn More.

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