How Wealth Reduces Compassion

[deborahjross]

From Scientific American:

But why would wealth and status decrease our feelings of compassion for others? After all, it seems more likely that having few resources would lead to selfishness. Piff and his colleagues suspect that the answer may have something to do with how wealth and abundance give us a sense of freedom and independence from others. The less we have to rely on others, the less we may care about their feelings. This leads us towards being more self-focused. Another reason has to do with our attitudes towards greed. Like Gordon Gekko, upper-class people may be more likely to endorse the idea that “greed is good.” Piff and his colleagues found that wealthier people are more likely to agree with statements that greed is justified, beneficial, and morally defensible. These attitudes ended up predicting participants’ likelihood of engaging in unethical behavior.

How Wealth Reduces Compassion: Scientific American

Comments

yep

[sillylilly-bird.livejournal.com]

I noticed this a long time ago. This being the inverse relationship between wealth and compassion. I don't get it.

Re: yep

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

That's where the research comes in, teasing out factors. I suspect the "greed is good" attitude has a lot to do with it, giving money (and other inanimate things) privilege over human beings.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I do think that poverty and all its harms are *realer* when you're closer to it, for sure. And when you couldn't get by except for someone's help, you're more ready to be that person for someone else, maybe.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

There's some interesting research about compassion/generosity and endorphins. Things like gambling and addictive drugs can "hijack" the normal pleasure center pathways so that people no longer react normally (and require stronger and more frequent stimulation to get the same effect). We're wired to experience pleasure when helping others, but I suppose the same thing happens there.