- Question
Should you give money to beggars?
For people fortunate enough to have extra money in their pockets, giving it away can be fraught with stress. The decision to give or not to give money to homeless people has real-world consequences. This question is not concerned with the legality of giving money, but rather with the moral and ethical dilemma that goes along with it.
No, you never know what they might do with it.
This position holds that you should not give money to beggars, because you can never be sure what they will do with it. It argues that once cash changes hands you lose all control over its use — and that it may be spent on drugs, alcohol or gambling rather than genuine needs.
No, it disincentives them from seeking serious help.
This position holds that you should not give money to beggars because it disincentivises them from seeking serious help. It argues homeless people face problems far beyond a lack of cash, and that handouts may ease the pressure on them to save or to seek employment.
Yes, you should always give to those who have less.
This position holds that you should always give to those who have less. It argues that giving shows solidarity with the worse-off, that it is not the giver's place to police how the money is used, and that small acts of generosity ripple outward — and that you would want the same if it were you.
Yes, it will make you feel good.
This position holds that you should give money to beggars because of how it makes the giver feel. It argues that acts of kindness benefit the giver as much as the recipient: studies on the 'helper's high' show generosity triggers good feelings, reduces stress, and can even lengthen life.
Give to charities instead.
This position holds that you should give to charities rather than directly to beggars. It argues that charities know what people who are homeless actually need and can direct help more effectively — so a donation channelled through them ends up helping more people, more reliably.
Give food instead of money.
This position holds that you should give beggars food rather than money. It argues that food is a basic necessity that directly meets a real need and cannot be misused — and that handing over something other than cash shows genuine care for the person.