In a continuation from last weeks post, we explore other areas of how money plays a role in our lives.
Perceptions
Money measures the value of our time. Behaviour can vary when an action is associated with value relative to a monetary amount. A highly paid employee may be motivated to live up to the expectation based on their salary. Conversely, have you ever noticed how slowly low-wage employees move when waiting on customers? They don’t look very enthusiastic. That’s because they’re getting paid next to nothing, projecting their value of worth to the hourly wage associated with a mundane activity. Expected money in the form of a year-end bonus can be a monetary “carrot” timely noted to manipulate behaviour.
How Money Changes Behavior
The simple suggestion of money or viewing money, even when not owned, alters physical reactions. A Yale study reported in 2009 showed that subjects were more sensitive to pain and social rejection when not exposed to money. These were only reminders of money, not owning it outright. And yet, it produced these results. Further, the studies have shown altered behaviour and lack of sympathetic qualities. People with more in the honeypot are tone-deaf to compassion.
Wealth causes unethical behaviour as if the world revolves around them. Affluence clouds moral behaviour, where wealthy individuals may display me first, self-serving attitude. Affluenza is the term assigned to this self-indulgent inclination. Defined as an unhealthy psychological state among the affluent, it gives rise to extreme materialism and consumerism.
The perception of advantage causes aggressive behaviour, as proven in a study of Monopoly playing. One of two players was given double the amount of money at the start of the game, clearly setting an advantage. The player with more money immediately displayed aggressive behaviour such as banging their pieces around the board and taunting their less-resourced opponent. Even when the game was rigged in their favour, flaunting behaviour confirms the impact that money has on human beliefs. A simple game with play money was enough to elicit inconsiderate behaviour on the well-off player.
I have noticed that people in powerful high-earning positions show fewer manners in conversation, frequently interrupting, speaking loudly and aggressively, and dismissing others’ thoughts.
Other interesting facts revolve around non-verbal cues. Less wealthy individuals were better at recognizing facial expressions. This is thought to indicate heightened awareness of perceived environmental threats. That by experiencing lack, there are more outside dangers to worry about.
Influence
Money influences people. Those with money are revered as if it determines good character. Political lobbying is a great example. The billionaires of the world get their way by paying the lawmakers. Charitable giving is another form of influence. Having a building named after you feeds the power-hungry. Rich people paying substantial sums to colleges influence the admission process for their children.
Buying happiness
I’m all for being frugal, but there’s a point where lack of money is painful and sucks the joy out of life. There’s no dignity in bitterness and misery. In that vein, I can testify that money offers absolute satisfaction, and everyone should know the feeling of accomplishment that comes with self-sufficiency. Anything above a comfortable standard of living should be considered a side dish of extra dressing but worth pursuing.
Small Pleasures
I am frequently reminded that money allows the enjoyment of small pleasures, maybe ones that we didn’t know we were missing. Even having the ability to buy small conveniences rouses personal happiness. That being true, cleaning services and landscaping businesses will be around forever.
Thank you for reading and hope you have a good rest of the day!
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