F. Scott Fitzgerald famously remarked, “The very rich are different from you and me,” in his 1926 short story, The Rich Boy. Fast forward to 2018, many of us might dismiss that idea, believing that society has evolved to eliminate such divides. However, recent research suggests that Fitzgerald’s wisdom still rings true.
A 2012 study published by various scientists in the National Academy of Sciences revealed startling findings: individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds tend to exhibit more unethical behavior compared to those from lower classes. These wealthier individuals are more prone to breaking laws while driving, such as cutting off others or neglecting to yield to pedestrians. Their propensity for unethical decision-making extends to cheating, lying during negotiations, and even a tendency to overlook moral standards in the workplace. Researchers concluded that these behaviors stem from an increased acceptance of greed among the affluent.
But the issues don’t stop there. The rich also appear to lack compassion. A study conducted by Berkeley psychologists in the journal Emotion found that participants with higher socio-economic status exhibited less empathy when observing distressing situations, like children suffering from cancer. The results indicated that poorer individuals were more likely to experience the heart-rate deceleration associated with empathy, while their wealthier counterparts showed a diminished response.
Furthermore, according to the same National Academy of Sciences study, another research from Psychological Science in 2009 found that wealthy individuals demonstrate less engagement in conversations. When people interacted for just 60 seconds, those with more financial resources exhibited more signs of disengagement—such as doodling—while showing fewer signs of attentiveness, like nodding or laughing. Dr. Lucy Reynolds explains that this could be due to the fact that the wealthy can afford to hire assistance, while those with fewer resources rely more on interpersonal connections for support.
PBS recently posed the question, “Do you live in a bubble?” According to political scientist Charles Murray, there exists a new upper class that is largely disconnected from mainstream American culture. Their experiences shape their behaviors and social interactions, leading them to act less compassionately—perhaps even taking calls during personal conversations or ignoring those in need.
In essence, a higher social class correlates with a greater likelihood of entitlement and lack of empathy. This suggests that the wealthier one is, the more they may prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others.
In conclusion, while the very rich may seem worlds apart from the rest of us, it’s not in ways we’d aspire to emulate. Their elevated status often breeds behaviors that can be detrimental to social cohesion and empathy. For more insights on family dynamics and relationships, check out this article on at-home insemination kits from our other blog. Additionally, for those looking into fertility options, this resource on in vitro fertilization is certainly worth exploring.