The more you have, the more you want? Higher social class predicts a greater desire for wealth and status

Abstract

Traditional theories have focused on the intentions of lower‐class individuals to climb on the social ladder, yet they have paid relatively little attention to the motivations of upper‐class individuals to ascend even higher. Addressing this issue, Studies 1 and 2 provided cross‐national evidence that higher social class is associated with a greater desire for wealth and status. Moreover, by manipulating perceived social class, Studies 3 and 5 experimentally confirmed that compared to people in the lower‐class group, those in the upper‐class group express a stronger desire for wealth and status. Furthermore, in line with self‐categorization theory predictions, Studies 3–5 showed that upper‐class individuals tend to see and use wealth and status as important attributes in defining and categorizing self, and this tendency explains the effect of social class on desire for wealth and status. Together, our findings demonstrate a “having more—wanting more” relationship, and its consequences are further discussed.

The wealth paradox: Prosperity and opposition to immigration

“…1: Relation between the socio-structural context and strategies used by the wealthy when responding to minorities (adapted and amended from dissatisfaction with not climbing fast enough may lead to lashing out at those who are more vulnerable in society (i.e., minorities). In particular, Wang et al (2018) showed evidence for this "having morewanting more" effect in a series of cross-sectional and experimental studies where they found that compared to people in a lower wealth group, those in a higher wealth group expressed a stronger desire for wealth and status. There is initial evidence that the wish to gain more wealth and status is particularly pronounced among those who are wealthier (Wang et al, 2018).…”

“…While status and power are by definition conferred by others, wealth is solely based on the possession of financial and material resources relative to others (Wang, Jetten, & Steffens, 2018). While status and power are by definition conferred by others, wealth is solely based on the possession of financial and material resources relative to others (Wang, Jetten, & Steffens, 2018).…”

“…And, when there is pressure to climb the ladder even further, Fig. There is initial evidence that the wish to gain more wealth and status is particularly pronounced among those who are wealthier (Wang et al, 2018). That is, permeability of group boundaries may also feed the belief that everyone can "make it" and this may lead to a greater need to "keep up with the Joneses" (De Tocqueville, 1835/2000Frank, 1999) resulting in status competition.…”

“…Of course, there are important differences between hierarchies determined by status, power or wealth that should be kept in mind when studying their respective outcomes. While status and power are by definition conferred by others, wealth is solely based on the possession of financial and material resources relative to others (Wang, Jetten, & Steffens, 2018). Nevertheless, status, power and wealth are naturally confounded and there are reasons to suspect that theorising explaining the effects of status and power might apply to explaining the effects of wealth (see Jetten, Wang, et al, 2017).…”

“…That is, permeability of group boundaries may also feed the belief that everyone can "make it" and this may lead to a greater need to "keep up with the Joneses" (De Tocqueville, 1835/2000Frank, 1999) resulting in status competition. There is initial evidence that the wish to gain more wealth and status is particularly pronounced among those who are wealthier (Wang et al, 2018). In particular, Wang et al (2018) showed evidence for this "having morewanting more" effect in a series of cross-sectional and experimental studies where they found that compared to people in a lower wealth group, those in a higher wealth group expressed a stronger desire for wealth and status.…”