Leiden University Student Repository

Muresan, Diana (2024)

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones: Unveiling the Interaction between Perceived Economic Mobility and Social Class on Prosocial Behavior

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

This study investigated the interaction between social class and perceived economic mobility on prosocial behavior. Previous research has provided mixed evidence on whether social standing affects prosociality. Furthermore, a knowledge gap exists in understanding how beliefs about personal economic mobility may moderate this relationship. This study aimed to establish whether social class increases prosocial behavior and if perceived economic mobility influences the relationship between social class and prosociality. The experimental design assessed prosociality through a giving game with 362 participants randomly assigned to different ranks (i.e., a proxy for social class) and mobility conditions. Results showed that higher-ranked individuals were more prosocial than those from lower ranks. Additionally, individuals perceiving high economic mobility were more prosocial than those perceiving low mobility. Nevertheless, the relationship between social class and prosociality remained...Show moreThis study investigated the interaction between social class and perceived economic mobility on prosocial behavior. Previous research has provided mixed evidence on whether social standing affects prosociality. Furthermore, a knowledge gap exists in understanding how beliefs about personal economic mobility may moderate this relationship. This study aimed to establish whether social class increases prosocial behavior and if perceived economic mobility influences the relationship between social class and prosociality. The experimental design assessed prosociality through a giving game with 362 participants randomly assigned to different ranks (i.e., a proxy for social class) and mobility conditions. Results showed that higher-ranked individuals were more prosocial than those from lower ranks. Additionally, individuals perceiving high economic mobility were more prosocial than those perceiving low mobility. Nevertheless, the relationship between social class and prosociality remained stable regardless of mobility levels. These findings highlight potential socioeconomic determinants of prosocial behavior, encouraging interventions fostering fair and equitable societies.Show less

perceived economic mobility

social class

prosocial behavior

Author

Muresan, Diana

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Economic and Consumer Psychology

Supervisors

Micheli, L.R.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en