Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior.


ABSTRACT: 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.

SUBMITTER: Piff PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3306667 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior.

Piff Paul K PK   Stancato Daniel M DM   Côté Stéphane S   Mendoza-Denton Rodolfo R   Keltner Dacher D  

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20120227 11


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 increas  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC6821090 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4390288 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7053739 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8511457 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5826724 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9305135 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8299706 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8085025 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9357878 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4507988 | biostudies-literature