The plans to build a hospice in Bloemendaal and an asylum seekers' centre for single young people in Aerdenhout and Heemstede were met with negative reactions from local residents. This raises the question of whether rich people are less social than poor people. One of the experts speaking is behavioral economist Jan Stoop, Associate Professor at Erasmus School of Economics.
In this case, the local residents threatened to litigate all the way to the Supreme Court, which put the hospice's initiators out of business. However, research shows that rich people are not necessarily less social. Stoop points out that rich people demonstrate differently. They will not take to the streets, but are more likely to threat with legal action. In addition, the rich often have better connections, so that way of protesting has more impact.
Stoop conducted his own research by delivering envelopes, both empty and filled with 20 euros, “incorrectly” to both the rich and the poor. This showed that the rich often returned them, while the poor failed to do so. Stoop also indicates that psychological research has shown that the rich are much more concerned with themselves. They have more to lose, so also more what they are trying to protect.
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You can read the full article from RTL Nieuws, 30 August 2024, here.
