Federal attorneys have arrested 50 people in a that allowed wealthy parents to buy their kids鈥� admission to elite universities. Prosecutors found that parents to get their kids into college. The list includes celebrity parents such as actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin.
Some might ask why did these parents fail to consider the moral implications of their actions?
My suggests many reasons why people behave in an unethical manner. When it comes to the wealthy, that they will go to great lengths to maintain their higher status. A sense of entitlement plays a role.
How people rationalize
Let鈥檚 first consider what allows people to act unethically and yet not feel guilt or remorse.
Research shows that people are good at that serve their self-interest. The success, or failure, of one鈥檚 children often has implications for how parents view themselves and are . They are more likely to of their children. They seem to gain esteem based on their connection to successful children. This means parents can be motivated by self-interest to ensure their children鈥檚 achievement.
In the case of cheating for their children, parents can justify the behavior through comparisons that help them morally disengage with an action. For example, they could say that other parents do a lot worse things, or minimize the consequences of their actions through words such as, 鈥淢y behavior did not cause much harm.鈥�
Viewing the unethical outcomes as serving others, including one鈥檚 children, could help parents create a psychological distance to rationalize misconduct. Several studies demonstrate that people are more likely to be unethical . For example, it is easier for employees to accept a bribe when they plan to share the proceeds with coworkers.
Sense of entitlement
When it comes to the wealthy and privileged, a sense of entitlement, or a belief that one is deserving of privileges over others, can play an important role in unethical conduct.
Privileged individuals are also given they believe the rules are unjust. Because they feel deserving of more than their fair share, they are willing to violate norms of appropriate and socially agreed upon conduct.
Feeling a sense of entitlement also leads people to be more when they sense a threat. For example, are less likely to support affirmative action to even the playing field because it threatens their privileged status.
Research suggests that entitlement may come in part from being rich. Wealthy individuals who are considered as 鈥渦pper class鈥� based on their income have been found to to get what they desire. They have also been found to be . They are more likely to break the law when driving, give less help to strangers in need, and generally .
Additionally, growing up with wealth is associated with more , which results in selfishness, expressing a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Consequences of status loss
Individuals who think they deserve unfair advantages are more likely to take actions to , such as ensuring their children attend high-status universities. Losing status appears to be particularly threatening for high-status individuals.
A recent review of the demonstrates that status loss, or even a fear of status loss, has been associated with an increase in . Individuals have been reported to show .
Such individuals also made increased by being willing to pay money and allocating resources to themselves.
In their book , First Amendment expert and social psychologist make the case that parents, especially in the upper class, are increasingly anxious about their children attending top universities.
These authors argue that given economic prospects are less certain because of , , and , wealthier parents tend to be particularly for their children.
Feeling invulnerable
People who feel a sense of power, which often comes along with wealth and fame, tend to be less likely to believe they are vulnerable to the detrimental consequences of unethical behavior.
Experiencing a psychological sense of power leads to a false . It could also lead to increased and .
It is possible that some of these moral psychology reasons were behind these wealthy parents cheating on behalf of their children. A desire to go to great lengths to help one鈥檚 child is admirable. However, when those lengths cross ethical boundaries it is a step too far.
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