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The Impact of Social Status on Decisions to Punish and Trust

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Social decisions occur across various contexts, and this review highlights how an individual's social status can influence these decisions. We summarize psychological research on the impact of social status on decision making and propose extending the theoretical framework known as the Social Status Framework, to include considerations of how status shapes trust and punishment. We begin by defining the concept of social status and then examine its influence on two key areas of social interactions: punishment and trust. Additionally, we discuss the potential interactions between social status and other social identity characteristics within these dynamics. Finally, we propose promising directions for future research to explore the complex relationships between social status and decision making, specifically trust and punishment, across diverse contexts and among different populations.

Source: Social and Personality Psychology Compass

DOI: 10.1111/spc3.70139

Authors: Andrea L. Wilhelm, J. Cloutier, Jennifer T. Kubota

Institution: University of Delaware

Language: English

Topic: Social Power and Status Dynamics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400