In his 1926 short story, The Rich Boy, F. Scott Fitzgerald remarked, “The very rich are different from you and me.” While this sentiment may seem outdated in our contemporary society, research suggests that Fitzgerald’s assertion holds true, particularly regarding ethical behavior and empathy.
A pivotal study published in 2012 by a group of researchers affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences examined the moral compass of wealthier individuals compared to their lower-class counterparts. The findings indicated that individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds were statistically more inclined to engage in unethical behaviors. They were observed to break traffic laws more frequently, such as cutting off other drivers and neglecting to yield to pedestrians. This tendency extended to unethical decision-making in various contexts, including deceptive negotiation tactics and a general acceptance of greed.
The researchers noted that these unethical behaviors could be partially attributed to a more favorable attitude toward greed among the wealthy. In simpler terms, affluent individuals often exhibited a greater propensity for greed, which could lead to a disregard for the needs and rights of others.
Further compounding this issue, a study published in Emotion in the same year revealed that wealthier participants exhibited lower levels of compassion. In an experiment, subjects viewed videos depicting both the construction of a patio and children battling cancer. Those from lower socio-economic backgrounds demonstrated a more pronounced empathetic response, as measured by heart rate decelerations linked to compassion, than their wealthier counterparts.
Moreover, individuals from higher social classes were found to be less engaged in interpersonal interactions. A 2009 study, referenced in the National Academy of Sciences paper, analyzed brief encounters between strangers. It was discovered that wealthier participants displayed more signs of disengagement, such as doodling, and fewer indicators of attentiveness, like nodding or laughing. Dr. Jonathan Wells, a behavioral scientist, explained that this phenomenon likely stems from the fact that wealthy individuals can afford to delegate responsibilities, leading to a diminished need for social connections.
PBS recently explored this disconnection further, suggesting the emergence of an “upper class” that exists in isolation from mainstream culture. Their quiz assessed an individual’s social class experiences, revealing how insulated one might be from average American life. Those with higher scores tended to display behaviors such as talking on their cell phones during conversations and less willingness to contribute to charitable causes, like supporting children with cancer.
Ultimately, this disconnect can foster a sense of entitlement among the wealthy, making them less inclined to empathize with others and more likely to prioritize their interests over ethical considerations.
In summary, extensive research underscores a troubling link between wealth and a lack of empathy and ethical behavior. The affluent often exhibit characteristics that distance them from average societal interactions, leading to a pronounced moral gap. For those interested in further understanding the implications of wealth on interpersonal relationships, resources such as Nichd provide valuable insights. Additionally, exploring home insemination options through Cryobaby can be beneficial for those considering this route, while organizations like Foodstirs offer helpful guidance on related topics.