It is important to note that unethical behavior is a prevalent issue in categories of socioeconomic status, where both individuals of upper socioeconomic status and lower socioeconomic status class individuals can behave unethically. A study suggests that “social class predicted unethical behavior and that this relation was mediated by individuals’ positive attitudes toward greed.”
In other words, greed is a primary mediator and determining factor when it comes to unethical behaviors at both ends of the socioeconomic status spectrum. For example, it is reported that “attitudes towards greed significantly predicted truth-telling,” which meant that perception was a key element. Thus, all social classes can exhibit unethical behavior primarily due to the fact that every class can develop such attitudes.
However, when it comes to determining which social class individuals are more likely to have positive attitudes towards greed and other forms of unethical behavior, the answer is inclined towards high social class people. It is stated that “those higher in social class were more likely to behave unethically (e.g., tell lies, cheat).”
It should be noted that “recent research demonstrates that unethical behavior depends on who the recipient of that unethical behavior is: the self or another person.” In other words, although people with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to engage in unethical behavior, the recipient is critical.
Individuals from higher social classes use unethical behavior in self-interest, whereas low social status people use such behaviors to benefit others. It was found that “when unethical behaviors benefited the self, a positive relationship between social class and unethical behavior emerged.” Therefore, a wealthy person is more likely to engage in unethical behavior for self-beneficial purposes.
It is reported that “when unethical behaviors benefited another person, they found the exact opposite relationship; individuals lower in social class were more likely to behave unethically.” Thus, an individual from a low socioeconomic status will engage in unethical behavior for other-beneficial goals. Both social classes can behave unethically due to greed, but high social status people will do so because of selfishness, and low social status people will do so because of altruism.