In his 1926 short story, The Rich Boy, F. Scott Fitzgerald famously remarked, “The very rich are different from you and me.” While many might dismiss this notion as outdated in today’s supposedly egalitarian society, recent studies suggest Fitzgerald’s insight holds true. Research indicates that those in higher social classes may exhibit behaviors that are not only unethical but also lacking in compassion.
Affluence and Unethical Behavior
A pivotal 2012 study published by the National Academy of Sciences revealed that individuals from affluent backgrounds are more inclined to engage in unethical actions than their less wealthy counterparts. This includes a greater propensity to violate traffic laws—such as cutting off other drivers or neglecting pedestrians in crosswalks—as well as unethical decision-making in professional settings. The researchers concluded that these tendencies stem from a more favorable attitude towards greed among the wealthy.
Lack of Empathy
Moreover, studies have shown that wealth correlates with a lack of empathy. Psychologists from Berkeley conducted an experiment where subjects watched two different videos: one featuring a man constructing a patio and another depicting children suffering from cancer. The results were telling; participants from lower socio-economic backgrounds exhibited greater physiological signs of compassion compared to their wealthier peers. This suggests that the affluent are less likely to empathize with those in distress.
Disengagement in Social Interactions
Rich individuals also tend to pay less attention during social interactions. A 2009 study highlighted in the National Academy of Sciences research found that wealthier people displayed more disengagement during conversations, such as doodling or failing to respond with nods and laughter. Dr. Samuel Greene, a psychologist, posits that this behavior arises because the wealthy often have the means to hire help, leading to a disconnection from social obligations that those in lower economic strata must navigate.
Social Isolation and Detachment
Furthermore, social isolation appears to exacerbate these behaviors. Research by Charles Murray indicates that a growing upper class is becoming increasingly detached from mainstream American culture, affecting their social interactions and sense of responsibility. This detachment can manifest in actions such as ignoring charitable causes or behaving entitled in everyday situations.
Conclusion
In essence, the affluent may be more prone to unethical behavior, less compassionate, and more likely to feel disconnected from the community around them. This does not paint a flattering picture of wealth, suggesting that the rich are indeed different from the rest of us—in ways that are troubling and far from admirable.
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In summary, research indicates that wealth can lead to a lack of empathy and an increase in unethical behavior. The rich may indeed be different from the rest of us, but not in ways that are desirable.