Economic inequality breeds corrupt behaviour

• DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12610
• Publication Date: 2022-11-29T11:52:03Z
• Authors: Cong Wei; Jianning Dang; Li Liu; Chao Li; Xuyun Tan; Zibei Gu
• Keywords: Language Change; Social Inequality

Economists and political scientists have long debated the relations between economic inequality corruption at societal level. Extending this literature, we proposed tested that breeds corrupt behaviour of individuals. Analyses 45-year archival data from United States found official crimes were more prevalent in years states with greater inequality. Three subsequent experiments (N = 776) using games showed individuals exposed to exhibited both Chinese American cultures. Furthermore, increased desire for wealth perception reduced fairness accounted effect. These findings highlight excessive creates a competitive environment which people give priority themselves over others suggest vicious cycle corruption.