Abstract: Frugality, a longstanding virtue deeply embedded in the fabric of Chinese culture, finds itself at the forefront of societal discourse in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern material economy. While traditionally lauded for its positive impact on individual and communal well-being, contemporary scrutiny begs the question: does frugality always harmonize with ethical principles? This article endeavors to provide a comprehensive exploration of this inquiry, shedding light on the multifaceted effects of frugality on prosocial behaviors.
In general, although the definition of frugality may vary due to disciplinary differences, it generally has the following three common points: First, people practice frugality to adapt to the current living environment or to create greater development space for the future, which is an adaptive development strategy based on resource usage and allocation. Second, the most direct manifestation of frugality is the economical use of financial resources (e.g., money), but individuals who practice frugality are not limited to being frugal only with financial resources. People can exhibit frugal tendencies in clothing, food, housing, transportation, and other aspects, such as saving food, reducing fuel consumption, staying in budget hotels, and renting housing. Third, frugality emphasizes the cautious allocation of resources and seeks to maximize benefits through methods such as saving, reducing expenses, and seeking cost-effective transactions. At its core, frugality encompasses a spectrum of behaviors and attitudes aimed at resource conservation and prudent expenditure. Its roots in Chinese tradition have fostered a societal ethos valuing moderation and restraint in material consumption. However, the ethical implications of frugality extend beyond mere resource management, touching upon broader themes of altruism, morality, and social cohesion.
Central to the discourse surrounding frugality is its dual-edged nature, characterized by both beneficial and detrimental consequences for prosocial behaviors. On one hand, frugality is heralded for its ability to cultivate self-control, foster social bonds, and encourage cooperation among individuals. By instilling habits of moderation and self-discipline, frugality may catalyze personal growth and communal harmony. Furthermore, frugal individuals may exhibit a heightened sense of empathy and interconnectedness with their fellow community members, thereby promoting acts of generosity and altruism. Conversely, the pursuit of frugality is not devoid of its pitfalls. In striving to minimize expenditure and maximize utility, individuals may become overly preoccupied with self-interest and cost considerations, potentially compromising their ethical compass. Moreover, an excessive focus on frugality may lead to a reduction in perceptions of human nature, viewing interpersonal interactions through the lens of transactional exchanges rather than genuine empathy and compassion.
To elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these dual-edged effects, various psychological theories offer valuable insights. The theory of resource conservation posits that frugality stems from an innate propensity to conserve resources for future contingencies, reflecting an adaptive evolutionary strategy. Similarly, self-control theory suggests that frugal behaviors are governed by cognitive processes aimed at regulating impulses and desires in the pursuit of long-term goals. Furthermore, social exchange theory highlights the role of reciprocity and trust in shaping prosocial behaviors, underscoring the importance of social connections forged through frugality.
There exist numerous avenues for further exploration and research within the realm of frugality and its impact on prosocial behavior. Future studies could seek to delve deeper into the moral dimensions of frugality, examining its implications for ethical decision-making and moral reasoning. Cross-cultural investigations can offer valuable insights into the universality of frugality and its cultural variations across diverse societies. Additionally, efforts to identify the commonalities and differences in the role of frugality across various forms of prosocial behavior can enhance our understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Moreover, the development of a theoretical framework elucidating the boundary conditions can provide a roadmap for future research endeavors. By integrating perspectives from moral psychology, behavioral economics, and social neuroscience, scholars can advance our understanding of the complex interplay between frugality and prosocial behavior.
In conclusion, the exploration of frugality concept represents a multifaceted endeavor with far-reaching implications for individual behavior and societal well-being. By unraveling the dual-edged effects of frugality on prosocial behaviors and elucidating the underlying psychological mechanisms, researchers can pave the way for the integration and development of frugality psychology and prosocial behavior research, ultimately contributing to the promotion of social harmony and altruism in an ever-changing world.

Key words: frugality, prosocial behavior, self-control, resource conservation, social exchange, dual-edged sword effect