In his 1926 short story, “The Rich Boy,” author F. Scott Fitzgerald remarked, “Let me tell you about the very rich: they are very different from you and me.” Fast forward to 2018, and many might shrug this off, believing that in our modern world, we are all essentially the same. However, research suggests that Fitzgerald’s observation still holds true.
Unethical Behavior Among the Wealthy
A pivotal study published in 2012 by a team of scientists in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences revealed that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds often display unethical behaviors more frequently than those from lower classes. Wealthier individuals were found to be more likely to break traffic laws, display a dismissive attitude towards pedestrians, and engage in dishonest practices in negotiations. Researchers concluded that these tendencies stem from a more favorable view of greed among the affluent.
Lack of Compassion
But the findings don’t stop there. Another study conducted by psychologists at Berkeley indicated that wealthier individuals exhibit less compassion. Participants who watched videos of various scenarios, including children suffering from cancer, showed that those with higher financial means were less likely to experience the heart rate deceleration associated with empathy. In simpler terms, the less affluent displayed more compassion towards these vulnerable children than their wealthier counterparts.
Disengagement in Social Interactions
Additionally, research from the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 highlighted that rich individuals often show less engagement in social interactions. In a study where participants conversed with strangers, wealthier individuals demonstrated more signs of disengagement, such as doodling, compared to their less affluent peers who showed greater attentiveness. This difference in behavior is likely attributed to the fact that wealthier people can afford to delegate many of their everyday tasks, leading them to be less reliant on social connections.
The New Upper Class
PBS even pointed out that there is a “new upper class” that seems increasingly detached from mainstream American culture. A quiz they created assesses your “bubble” of social experiences, revealing just how insulated you might be from typical societal interactions. Those with higher scores, indicating a more isolated background, may be less likely to show compassion or engage in considerate behavior. This detachment can manifest in various ways, such as prioritizing personal convenience over social responsibility, which includes neglecting to donate to causes like childhood cancer or exhibiting rude behaviors in public.
Conclusion
In summary, the research indicates a concerning trend: the very rich may indeed be very different from the rest of us, often in ways that reflect entitlement and a lack of empathy. Their behaviors could be shaped by their financial status, leading to an increased likelihood of unethical actions and a diminished capacity for compassion.
Further Reading
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