>>5122181801. Definition of Prosocial Behavior:
In psychology and behavioral science, "prosocial behavior" is defined as voluntary behavior intended to benefit another person or group. This includes helping, sharing, donating, cooperating, and comforting โ regardless of whether it strictly follows social rules.
Source: Eisenberg & Mussen (1989), Batson (1991), and other foundational works in social psychology consistently define prosocial behavior as actions intended to help others, not merely rule-following.
2. Not the Same as โFollowing the Rulesโ:
While conforming to social norms can be prosocial (like standing in line), not all rule-following is prosocial, and not all prosocial acts involve rule-following. For example:
Rescuing someone in danger may break rules but is clearly prosocial.
Blindly following unjust laws or norms (e.g., segregation laws) is rule-following, but not prosocial.
3. Distinction from Altruism:
You're right that prosocial behavior is not necessarily altruistic:
Altruism is a subtype of prosocial behavior that is motivated by a selfless concern for others.
But prosocial behavior can have other motivations too โ strategic, reputational, emotional, or reciprocal โ and still be considered prosocial.
Example:
Helping a coworker with a project to gain favor with your boss is strategic prosocial behavior โ not altruistic, but still prosocial by definition.