Researchers reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that upper income people are more likely to lie, cheat and engage in unethical behavior than those of lesser means. The study is not related to violent or general criminal conduct, but is designed to measure general compliance with ethics and community standards. Some of the areas the researchers from the University of California examined included driving, business negotiations, employment, misrepresentation in competitive situations and even taking candy meant for children.
The results related to driving come as no surprise to someone who lives in Scottsdale, but here are those results for the rest of you. Studying driving habits revealed that those who drive newer, fancier cars tend to be less compliant with traffic laws like running stop signs and red lights. They also tended, by two to one, to be less likely to drive in a generally courteous manner as measured by stopping for pedestrians and yielding to other vehicles.
In contests with a possible reward of $50, the wealthy were far more likely to lie about how they scored in order to increase their chances of winning the prize than were the less affluent. The less well to do were also less likely than were the well to do to take candy when told it was for children.
In employment situations, the wealthy were more likely to withhold information about a job when acting as a potential employer. The job in the experiment was short term, but the wealthy were more likely to fail to mention that than average income participants. Generally, the wealthy were more likely to withhold pertinent information if they believed it would be to their advantage.
Researchers theorize that as you rise in the ranks of society you become more self focused and less aware of the needs of others. They are quick to point out that these traits are not universal among the wealthy, just more common. You can read more here .
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.