The Well-Heeled and Our Personal Well-Being – Inequality.org
The Well-Heeled and Our Personal Well-Being Inequality.org
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Why Inequality Shapes Perceptions of Morality
Introduction
Why do unequal societies tend to be more accepting of “immoral behavior”? This article explores the research conducted by Kouchaki and her colleagues to answer this question. The study utilizes international data sets and experiments to delve into the psyches of societies with varying levels of inequality.
The Experiment
One experiment involved 800 participants and used ladder images to depict levels of inequality in different societies. Each ladder represented a society, with each rung representing 10 percent of the population. Money bag images were placed on each rung to indicate the net worth of households in that 10 percent. In more equal societies, the distribution of money bags was relatively even across the ladder, while in highly unequal societies, the majority of money bags were concentrated on the top rungs.
Perceptions of Wealth Distribution and Ethical Behavior
Participants were then asked to select the ladder image that best reflected the wealth distribution in their own society. They were also asked to rate the acceptability of unethical behaviors in their society, such as cheating on exams or illegally downloading software.
Findings
The results of this experiment align with previous research, indicating that individuals living in highly unequal societies have a lower sense of control and are more accepting of unethical behaviors compared to those in more equal societies. The researchers conclude that inequality can change ethical standards.
Implications
Other recent psychological research has reached similar conclusions, suggesting that economic inequality leads to an expectation of more everyday unethical behavior. This normalization of unethical behavior perpetuates the belief that our world is inherently unequal and unchangeable. While the presence of ethical champions in public life is important, it is crucial to strive for a world with greater equality.
About the Author
Sam Pizzigati, an Institute for Policy Studies associate fellow, co-edits Inequality.org. His latest books include The Case for a Maximum Wage and The Rich Don’t Always Win: The Forgotten Triumph over Plutocracy that Created the American Middle Class, 1900-1970.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms | Unethical behaviors such as cheating on exams and illegally downloading software |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the impact of inequality on ethical standards and behavior. It highlights how people living in highly unequal societies have a lower sense of control and are more accepting of unethical behaviors. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article also touches upon the normalization of unethical behavior in highly unequal societies. This relates to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
The article emphasizes the impact of income inequality on ethical standards. Achieving and sustaining income growth for the bottom 40 percent of the population can help address this issue.
SDG 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
The article mentions unethical behaviors such as cheating on exams and illegally downloading software. Reducing corruption and bribery can contribute to a more ethical society.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
For SDG 10.1, the article does not mention any specific indicators. However, indicators such as income inequality measures (e.g., Gini coefficient) and poverty rates can be used to assess progress towards reducing income disparities.
For SDG 16.5, the article implies the presence of unethical behaviors like cheating on exams and illegally downloading software. The prevalence of these behaviors can serve as indicators to measure progress in reducing corruption and bribery.
Note: The article does not provide specific data or statistics related to these indicators.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms | Unethical behaviors such as cheating on exams and illegally downloading software |
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Fuente: inequality.org
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