Anatolia Batruch, social psychology researcher at the University of Lausanne. Photo: KA / Centre LIVES
A large-scale study of 33,000 people in four countries — the US, France, Switzerland, and India — challenges long-held assumptions: no, wealthy people are not more selfish or dishonest than those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Switzerland, the psychological effects of social class even appear weaker than in other countries. Anatolia Batruch, a social psychology researcher at the University of Lausanne who led this study, unpacks findings that overturn decades of scientific consensus.
We often imagine that rich people are more selfish, perhaps even more dishonest. But your study suggests otherwise?
Exactly — that’s the kind of assumption our research calls into question. We often expect people from higher social classes to be more self-centered, more individualistic, even more selfish. But we found no evidence that they are less prosocial or more dishonest. In Switzerland, as elsewhere, people from privileged backgrounds do not cheat more, nor are they less supportive of others — sometimes the opposite is true.
What motivated you to test these deeply ingrained beliefs?
There’s a growing idea in psychology that our social position shapes how we think, feel, and behave. But much of this work is based on small studies, often conducted in the United States. We wanted to test whether these findings really hold up, using broader, more diverse, and better-controlled data.
How did you go about it?
We replicated 22 influential studies on the psychology of social class, testing 35 effects in four countries: the US, France, Switzerland, and India. Altogether, more than 33,000 people took part. About half of the effects replicated. This means some ideas are robust, but others need to be rethought — or even abandoned.
So is there a fundamental psychological difference between social classes?
Much of the literature assumes that people from privileged backgrounds are more individualistic, while those from modest backgrounds are more collectivist. But our results don’t really support this simple opposition. What we observe is that people from higher social classes often have enough material and psychological resources to be both individualistic and collectivist.
Can you give an example?
Yes. People from more privileged backgrounds report feeling both more individualistic emotions, such as pride, and more collectivist emotions, such as compassion. In other words, these aren’t opposing poles — they can coexist. And having the resources to feel secure may allow people to embrace both dimensions.
Does Switzerland show any particular patterns?
Yes, Switzerland stands out in several ways. The psychological effects of social class appear weaker here than in the other countries we studied. This suggests that social inequalities may be less visible or less psychologically pronounced — perhaps because of the country’s high level of economic security and social stability.
Does that mean social class doesn’t matter in Switzerland?
Not at all. The effects are still there, but sometimes less stark or more nuanced. For example, research usually shows that people from higher social classes feel more "entitled" — believing they deserve more. But in Switzerland, the opposite is true: privileged people actually report feeling less entitled. That was a surprising finding.
How do you explain it?
It may reflect strong Swiss cultural norms around modesty and equality. In Switzerland, flaunting wealth or acting superior is frowned upon. People don’t appreciate those who stand out too much.
So where do these psychological differences between social classes come from?
It’s not "social class" itself that shapes us, but the lived experiences tied to it. Financial insecurity, constant constraints, or facing discrimination all shape how we think, feel, and interact. Conversely, growing up in a stable, valued environment with ample resources fosters self-confidence, the ability to plan, and even to imagine one’s future more freely.
Why does this matter?
We often talk about economic or educational inequalities, but psychological inequalities — in emotions, beliefs, and worldviews — are just as crucial. Understanding them, and what drives them, is key if we want to build a fairer society.
Batruch, A., Sommet, N. & Autin, F. Advancing the psychology of social class with large-scale replications in four countries. Nat Hum Behav (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02234-1