I’m not sure you’re drawing the right conclusion about why many people would choose the lower salary. In a world where everyone else makes much more than you do, your social status, and your kids’ social status might suffer, you might have a harder time finding a partner, and you might be more likely to live in an undesirable neighborhood. In my case, making more money wouldn’t make me feel superior…it might allow me to be more generous to my friends.
Steven, I appreciate you reading and commenting. To be clear though, your argument was made in the article. Here is the quote “ As social creatures, we're hardwired to care about our standing in the group. Our ancestors' survival often depended on their social status, which determined access to resources, mates, and protection. “
However, earning 100k and not 50k means you should be able to afford more not less. Why would that mean living in undesirable neighborhoods? Unless you are comparing them to the wealthier neighborhoods and not compared to the neighborhood you would live in if making 50k.
Higher income yields high home prices. At $100,000, you still couldn’t afford the average home price….you might not even be able to afford the cheapest home in that neighborhood where the people with $200,000 incomes live.
Of course, the situation as described is wildly unrealistic anyway.
This is a great analogy. Especially since so few people are pushing back against tariffs and trump admitting that they will cause higher prices and he "hopes" they create new jobs. When historically thay have shown to be a net negative job creator. I'm hoping that these policies are just a fad and are removed quickly
I’m not sure you’re drawing the right conclusion about why many people would choose the lower salary. In a world where everyone else makes much more than you do, your social status, and your kids’ social status might suffer, you might have a harder time finding a partner, and you might be more likely to live in an undesirable neighborhood. In my case, making more money wouldn’t make me feel superior…it might allow me to be more generous to my friends.
Steven, I appreciate you reading and commenting. To be clear though, your argument was made in the article. Here is the quote “ As social creatures, we're hardwired to care about our standing in the group. Our ancestors' survival often depended on their social status, which determined access to resources, mates, and protection. “
However, earning 100k and not 50k means you should be able to afford more not less. Why would that mean living in undesirable neighborhoods? Unless you are comparing them to the wealthier neighborhoods and not compared to the neighborhood you would live in if making 50k.
Higher income yields high home prices. At $100,000, you still couldn’t afford the average home price….you might not even be able to afford the cheapest home in that neighborhood where the people with $200,000 incomes live.
Of course, the situation as described is wildly unrealistic anyway.
This is a great analogy. Especially since so few people are pushing back against tariffs and trump admitting that they will cause higher prices and he "hopes" they create new jobs. When historically thay have shown to be a net negative job creator. I'm hoping that these policies are just a fad and are removed quickly