Inequality is perpetuated, in part, by the psychological and behavioral tendencies that arise from the social context of inequality. Cognitive biases lead most people to see themselves as middle class, even when that perception does not align with economic reality. Those who perceive themselves as economically advantaged tend to view inequality as fair and legitimate, often dismissing proponents of redistributive solutions as ill-informed. And unequal contexts increase risky behaviors that can be profitable to some but are more likely to be costly for most. This research program suggests an inequality cycle, in which inequality experienced today tends to reproduce itself.

中文翻译：

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不平等循环：心理学如何帮助保持经济不平等


不平等现象之所以长期存在，部分原因在于不平等的社会背景所产生的心理和行为倾向。认知偏见导致大多数人将自己视为中产阶级，即使这种看法与经济现实并不相符。那些认为自己在经济上处于优势的人往往认为不平等是公平和合法的，常常认为再分配解决方案的支持者消息不灵通。不平等的环境会增加危险行为，这些行为对某些人来说可能有利可图，但对大多数人来说可能代价高昂。该研究项目提出了一个不平等周期，在这个周期中，今天经历的不平等往往会自我复制。