"The scientists also found a strong link between social status and greed, a connection they suspect might exacerbate the economic gulf between the rich and poor."

A raft of studies into unethical behaviour across the social classes has delivered a withering verdict on the upper echelons of society.

Privileged people behaved consistently worse than others in a range of situations, with a greater tendency to lie, cheat, take things meant for others, cut up other road users, not stop for pedestrians on crossings, and endorse unethical behaviour, researchers found.

I predict an attack on the institution that conducted the studies and the area where the studies were conducted.

"Because rich people have more financial resources, they're less dependent on social bonds for survival... self interests reign and they have fewer qualms about breaking the rules."

Interesting, though, researchers discovered ethical standards could slip by suddenly findinging one's self in the 1% by winning the lottery, etc.

ROTF. "Less classy cars?

Talk about unscientific and a preordained outcome.
But it makes some feel smug, I'm sure.

Usually the people that are always worrying about what others do and have rather than working on their own problems.

Of course more people were greedy.
This was California!

BTW, I wonder how they'd study me--I drive a Lexus part of the time and an eight year old Honda part of the time--guess the days I'm driving the Lexus I'm an inconsiderate, greedy driver and the days I'm driving the old Honda I'm less classy and therefore less greedy and a more considerate driver.

I'd love to throw a big time wrench in their study and wear mink while driving the old Honda and blue jeans and a sweatshirt in the Lexus.

They wouldn't know which prejudices to use against me!

What a stupid "study."

Quite honestly, I don't think we needed tests performed to glean this sort of knowledge. It stares us in the face every day as part of public dealings.

Yup! You don't need to look beyond the White House and the revolving door Chief of Staff choices to realize how true it is.

On average, 12.4% of the observed drivers failed to wait their turn and cut in front of other road users. Those in the less classy cars cut people up less than 10% of the time, but drivers in the most prestigious cars did so around one third of the time.

In some of our low income regions, many of the poor drivers are very cautious as they're driving illegally, often with no license, a suspended license, no insurance, expired registration, expired inspection etc.

They can't afford the cost of getting in an accident, or getting pulled over - tickets, towing, impound fees, lawyers, jail time etc.

Some drive cautiously since they have outstanding warrants, traffic tickets, or they're in possession of drugs, open container etc.

Many drive cautiously since their vehicles are gas guzzlers, or have poor acceleration, poor brakes, bald tires, poor bearings, steering and suspension components, no ABS, no airbags etc.

When we pass through numerous police roadblocks, most of the vehicles pulled off to the side of the road for violations aren't newer, or luxury vehicles.

That said, I have more full sized trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles cut me off than "Classy" cars.

Many of our wealthy friends, relatives, customers and business associates drive average cars, trucks or SUVs.

Our division advances their cause.

You forgot "Rose" but I appreciate the thought!

At least you didn't compare me to Dr. Pavlov. Wait, you're the one who started this thread... Dr. Ink.

Yes - they teach that.

That part is certainly accurate and could explain some behaviors.

So, overall, I think the test was pretty accurate. Those at the very top think, and know, that they have sufficient money, thus power, to buy their way out of most situations where they have harmed others, financially or physically. See, e.g., the governor of Florida. I think Bernie Madoff was the exception, that's why he got so much publicity.