Wealth and Moral Behavior: Does Money Make People Mean?

Does Money Make People Mean?
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Code and Title
Professors’ Name
Due Date
Abstract:
This paper discusses wealth's potential negative behavioral consequences, drawing on research by Paul Piff and others. The author discusses several possible explanations for why wealth may engender selfishness and reduce empathy, including a sense of entitlement, favorable attitudes toward greed, and a diminished capacity for empathy. The paper argues that these findings warrant further exploration to understand wealth's psychological and social effects better.
Introduction:
Although it is not feasible to make a sweeping generalization about the effects of wealth on an individual's behavior, a growing body of research suggests that affluence can engender selfishness and reduce empathy. Paul Piff's work in this area is particularly noteworthy, providing empirical evidence for the claim that wealth may lead to unethical decision-making and a diminished concern for others. In this paper, I will build on Piff's findings by drawing on further research to make a compelling case for the negative behavioral consequences of wealth.
Main Argument
Piff's TEDxMarin talk elucidates the findings of his experimental research, which ostensibly demonstrates that wealth is associated with a greater propensity for unethical behavior (Piff, 2012). For instance, one study by Piff found a correlation between driving expensive cars and a higher likelihood of committing traffic violations (Piff et al., 2012). Piff's research on prosocial behavior further corroborates this thesis, indicating that individuals with more incredible wealth are less inclined to assist others in distress.
The apparent correlation between wealth and unethical behavior may be attributable to several factors. Piff's research, for instance, posits that wealth engenders a sense of entitlement, which in turn leads individuals to place their own needs above those of others. Further, Piff's work suggests that wealthier individuals are more likely to adopt favorable attitudes toward greed, potentially facilitating unethical beha...