Minding the Gap: Inequality, Socioemotional Comparisons, and Risk-Sensitivity

Minding the Gap: Inequality, Socioemotional Comparisons, and Risk-Sensitivity

05feb12:00 pm1:30 pmMinding the Gap: Inequality, Socioemotional Comparisons, and Risk-Sensitivity

Event Details

Sandeep MishraUniversity of Regina

Substantial epidemiological evidence shows that higher levels of income inequality are associated with a wide array of negative societal-level outcomes, ranging from greater risk-taking and crime to poorer mental and physical health. However, surprisingly little research has examined individual-level consequences of inequality. Risk-sensitivity theory, developed in the field of behavioral ecology, may help to shed light on why inequality has such wide-ranging harmful effects. Risk-sensitivity theory specifically posits that that risk-taking is a product of conditions of need (i.e., disparity between one’s present and desired/goal states). In this presentation, I explore how risk-sensitivity can be applied to understanding risk-taking under conditions of inequality. I also address research suggesting that proximate-level emotional reactions to social comparisons and disparity can shed light on risk-sensitive decision-making specifically, and mental health more generally.

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Time

(Monday) 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm(GMT+00:00)

Location

Haines Hall 352

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