Why Don't We Care About Others? A Closer Look at Indifference Through the Lens of the Dual Process Model and Moral Foundations Theory

Abstract

Building on the dual-process motivational model and moral foundations theory, we tested whether indifference (i.e., not caring about arbitrary policies affecting low-status groups), as well as right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), is driven by dangerous worldview beliefs (i.e., a threatening environment) resulting in greater adherence to issues pertaining to an in-group binding morality (i.e., in-group/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/sanctity). In parallel, we tested whether indifference, as well as social dominance orientation, is motivated by competitive worldview beliefs (i.e., zero-sum competition), resulting in lower endorsement of an individualizing morality (i.e., harm/care and fairness/reciprocity) in favor of self-enhancement. We recruited 241 participants who voluntarily completed an anonymous questionnaire. Path analysis revealed that the positive association between a dangerous worldview and binding morality was mediated by RWA but not by indifference, whereas the negative association between a competitive worldview and individualizing morality was mediated by social dominance orientation and indifference. These results revealed that indifferent people, like those higher in the social dominance orientation, are driven by a competitive and socially dominant worldview that includes less emphasis on principles of not harming individuals and protecting their autonomy. In contrast to RWA, indifference is not driven by beliefs about a dangerous worldview and shows no proximity to a group-preserving morality that prioritizes group cohesion and respect for traditions.