A moderate correlation between economic development and importance of survival probability was found (r = 0.593, p = 0.055). A negative correlation between prosperity and importance of criminal records was calculated (r = -0.0580, p = 0.061). This was assumed to be because more prosperous countries can tolerate immoral behaviors better. 

University of Pittsburgh

The study looked more specifically at two factors that contribute to cross-country differences as they influence moral decisions and how the citizens of a country behave. The two main factors are:
- Cultural dimensions (Individualism vs. collectivism and power distance beliefs, PDB) 
- Economic development (GDP per capita)

Country Level Social Preferences

Jin, L., Huang, Y., Liang, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Who Gets the Ventilator? Moral Decision Making Regarding Medical Resource Allocation in a Pandemic. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. doi:10.1086/711734

Who Gets the Ventilator? Moral Decision Making Regarding Medical Resource Allocation in a Pandemic

People from individualist cultures typically have an analytic thinking style and prioritize individualism. People from collectivist cultures typically give elders the authoritative role, emphasizing respect for the older population. Furthermore, they view themselves as more interdependent and value group harmony.

Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures

Low PDB countries have a less hierarchical society, not emphasizing class or power status to maintain equality among the people. High PDB environments prioritize social structure. 

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