Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior
August 16, 2013 11:16 PM   Subscribe

In a series of startling studies, psychologists at the University of California at Berkeley have found that "upper-class individuals behave more unethically than lower-class individuals." Ongoing research is trying to find out what it is about wealth — or lack of it — that makes people behave they way they do. An interview with the researchers involved.

Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior
Seven studies using experimental and naturalistic methods reveal that upper-class individuals behave more unethically than lower-class individuals. In studies 1 and 2, upper-class individuals were more likely to break the law while driving, relative to lower-class individuals. In follow-up laboratory studies, upper-class individuals were more likely to exhibit unethical decision-making tendencies (study 3), take valued goods from others (study 4), lie in a negotiation (study 5), cheat to increase their chances of winning a prize (study 6), and endorse unethical behavior at work (study 7) than were lower-class individuals. Mediator and moderator data demonstrated that upper-class individuals’ unethical tendencies are accounted for, in part, by their more favorable attitudes toward greed.
Letters to PNAS regarding the publication:
  • Francis G. 2012. Evidence that publication bias contaminated studies relating social class and unethical behavior
  • Pliff et al. 2012. Reply to Francis: Cumulative power calculations are faulty when based on observed power and a small sample of studies
  • posted by Blasdelb (4 comments total)

    This post was deleted for the following reason: Looks like we discussed this study last month. -- taz



     
    Startling?
    posted by Mike Smith at 11:27 PM on August 16, 2013


    Uncited in the damn paper but interesting,
    Prevalence and Correlates of Shoplifting in the United States: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
    Objective: This study presented nationally representative data on the lifetime prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of shoplifting among adults in the United States. Method: Data were derived from a large national sample of the United States population. Face-to-face surveys of more than 43,000 adults ages 18 years and older residing in households were conducted during the 2001–2002 period. Diagnoses of mood, anxiety, and drug disorders as well as personality disorders were based on the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule—DSM-IV Version. Results: The prevalence of lifetime shoplifting in the U.S. population was 11.3%. Associations between shoplifting and all antisocial behaviors were positive and significant. Besides stealing, the behaviors more strongly associated with shoplifting were making money illegally and scamming someone for money. Strong associations between shoplifting and all 12-month and lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorders were also found. The strongest associations with shoplifting were with disorders often associated with deficits in impulse control, such as antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorders, pathological gambling, and bipolar disorder. High rates of mental health service use were also identified in this population. Conclusions: Shoplifting is a relatively common behavior. A history of shoplifting is associated with substantial rates of comorbid disorders, psychosocial impairment, and mental health service use. Future research should identify the biological and environmental underpinnings of shoplifting and develop effective screening tools and interventions for individuals with shoplifting problems.
    Which found shoplifting to be positively correlated with income.
    posted by Blasdelb at 11:31 PM on August 16, 2013 [2 favorites]


    I'm always wary of this methodology. The whole "realistic" study thing--its not a measurement of actual in the field behavior. I would prefer measurements based on real world occurences. Its the same with psychologists trying to tell us who this or that person would date based on people saying which photo they liked better.
    posted by Ironmouth at 11:37 PM on August 16, 2013


    Studies 1 and 2 are somewhat better, as they are field studies, but relying on subjective measurements of social class based on what car is driven is pretty weak, and also the lay observer's decisions as to what constitutes "cutting off" another car is also an area where subjective bias can get in the mix. Plus, an observer's own bias for or against percieved social status could also taint these studies. Basically, it seems to say, people driving better cars cut people off more.
    posted by Ironmouth at 11:44 PM on August 16, 2013


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