Hi Ayesha, this is a really interesting question! According to this 2008 study (below), shoplifting is more common among those with higher education and income. They call this nonsensical shoplifting, because it isn't motivated by a financial need.
It is likely there are both structural and psychological factors as to why this occurs. I've listed a few here, but there are many other theories out there:
- Upper class individuals become socially isolated from the rest of society and therefore develop a separate group identity. This shapes feelings of entitlement and inattention to the consequences of one's actions on others.
-They have the resources needed to deal with the consequences of unethical behavior (arrest, fines, etc.), whereas a lower-class individual would be more negatively impacted if they were caught.
-These individuals may also be more likely to have received economics-oriented training that hones self-interest. These ideas around maximizing profit and self-interest can increase positive beliefs about greed.
Kleptomania, greed, or it could be a way to punish or get back at the victim. There’s also people who steal because that how they make and sustain their wealth.
They are suffering from Kleptomania. Which is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. There have been reports of kleptomania induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Please check wikipedia, it gives great information.
Hi Ayesha, this is a really interesting question! According to this 2008 study (below), shoplifting is more common among those with higher education and income. They call this nonsensical shoplifting, because it isn't motivated by a financial need.
It is likely there are both structural and psychological factors as to why this occurs. I've listed a few here, but there are many other theories out there:
- Upper class individuals become socially isolated from the rest of society and therefore develop a separate group identity. This shapes feelings of entitlement and inattention to the consequences of one's actions on others.
-They have the resources needed to deal with the consequences of unethical behavior (arrest, fines, etc.), whereas a lower-class individual would be more negatively impacted if they were caught.
-These individuals may also be more likely to have received economics-oriented training that hones self-interest. These ideas around maximizing profit and self-interest can increase positive beliefs about greed.
Kleptomania, greed, or it could be a way to punish or get back at the victim. There’s also people who steal because that how they make and sustain their wealth.
They are suffering from Kleptomania. Which is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. There have been reports of kleptomania induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Please check wikipedia, it gives great information.