It has already been widely researched that inequality shapes and determines the lives of many people, but can thoughts about inequality also influence our motivations and ambitions? The present...Show moreIt has already been widely researched that inequality shapes and determines the lives of many people, but can thoughts about inequality also influence our motivations and ambitions? The present study explores the relationship between thinking about inequality, rather than experiencing it, and the adjustment of career goal ambitions. A sample consisting of 300 U.S. college students was surveyed and assigned to one of the three following conditions: thinking about inequality of opportunity, thinking about inequality of outcomes or a control group. The manipulation consisted of the respondents reading one of three prompts, each corresponding to one of the three conditions, and then being asked to reflect on their assigned condition by answering the prompt in writing. Afterwards they completed a 56-item questionnaire, of which we focused on the 8 item "achievement aspirations" subscale (Gregor & O´Brien, 2015). Inconsistent with our hypothesis that the prompting would lead to lower career goal ambitions, the results of our ANOVA suggested no significant differences among the three groups. Furthermore, we investigated the moderating effect of gender and found higher career goal ambitions among females, contrary to our hypothesis. In addition, neither the main effect of the manipulation nor the interaction between manipulation and gender were significant. These findings suggest that merely thinking about inequality is not sufficient to influence career goal ambitions. Future research should consider stronger manipulations or longitudinal designs to examine the effects of repeated exposure to inequality-related thoughts on career goal ambitions.Show less
It is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized...Show moreIt is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized that through the meritocratic mechanisms of the American dream, viewing everyone as capable of climbing the social ladder, individuals’ sensitivity towards the needs of the poor is decreased. Given America’s emphasis on the meritocracy, the research aim is of greater interest: whether the interaction between, and independent impact of perceptions and experiences of social mobility, influence charitable giving in the form of donation amount. The study was conducted via a survey on Prolific that sampled American respondents’ perceived and experienced mobility, and the opted donation amount to charity. Non-significant statistical analyses determined the absence of an interaction between these factors. Likewise, perceived social mobility does not correlate with charitable giving, the reasons for which are examined. Significant negative and positive correlations were found between experienced social mobility with: charitable behavior and perceived social mobility. The former is discussed to operate via the ‘hot and cold’ empathy mechanism, and the causality of the latter is explored. The findings of this research deviate from other data but generates novel avenues for further investigation. Additionally, the study highlights substantial experienced downward mobility and a perceived low chance for social mobility in the United States.Show less