Psychology studies suggest rising wealth means more jerks in S.F.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Psychology-studies-suggest-rising-wealth-means-6039481.php
If it seems that San Franciscans are getting more entitled and self-absorbed, a series of psychology studies performed at UC Berkeley indicates there could be a scientific reason: the citys increasing wealth.
Paul Piff, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior at UC Irvine (he moved from UC Berkeley just a few weeks ago), has spent the past decade conducting about 50 studies on how wealthy people and poorer people behave in the same situations.
Again and again, hes found a common thread: Rich people are more likely to behave unethically even if they get very little benefit....
I think what were assessing in these studies is a general lack of sensitivity to the needs of other people, Piff said. The wealthier you are, the less attuned you are to other people around you.
Who would have thought?