A recent study from the University of Chicago highlights significant differences in how people of varying ages perceive competitive scenarios. Conducted by a team led by Veronica Vazquez-Olivieri, the research indicates that older adults are less likely to view situations as zero-sum, a perspective that suggests one person’s gain is another’s loss. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, the findings reveal a concerning trend among younger generations, who are increasingly inclined to see the world through a competitive lens.
The concept of zero-sum thinking is straightforward: in certain contexts, such as a Super Bowl game or a presidential election, there can only be one winner. However, this study suggests that many scenarios in life, particularly in collaborative environments like workplaces or educational settings, do not fit this model. The researchers found that younger individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 30, are more likely to adopt a zero-sum mentality compared to their older counterparts aged 65 to 80.
Understanding the Shift
Vazquez-Olivieri, a doctoral candidate, was inspired to explore this topic during her work on her dissertation. She noted that age and social factors, such as language, notably influence decision-making processes. The research team utilized data from the World Value Survey and conducted experiments involving nearly 2,500 participants. Survey questions included statements like, “If somebody gets rich, someone has to get poor,” to gauge agreement levels across age groups.
The outcomes were revealing. Older participants expressed agreement with zero-sum statements far less frequently than younger ones. In one specific scenario involving a fictional company that incentivized high performance with bonuses, younger participants were more inclined to categorize the situation as zero-sum, despite the possibility for all employees to succeed.
Implications for Society
The implications of this study are broad, particularly in understanding social dynamics in contemporary society. According to Tamar Kricheli-Katz, a co-author and professor at Tel Aviv University, younger individuals often perceive resources as scarcer due to competitive environments in college admissions and job markets. This scarcity mindset can lead to an overly competitive outlook, causing individuals to overlook opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Kricheli-Katz’s analysis of longitudinal data from the World Value Survey suggests that while the trend of decreasing zero-sum beliefs with age has remained consistent, the current generation of young people exhibits an even more pronounced zero-sum mentality than previous generations. “We don’t fully understand why this is happening,” she said. “It could be that people perceive resources as more limited, even when there is actually more available.”
Recognizing this bias is crucial for decision-making and negotiation processes. In courses like “The Psychology of Negotiation,” students often enter with a belief that negotiations are inherently competitive. However, by the end of the course, many learn that cooperation often leads to better outcomes for all parties involved.
As the researchers suggest, understanding and addressing zero-sum thinking could lead to more constructive interactions, whether in personal relationships, workplace dynamics, or broader societal contexts.
Those concerned about their own zero-sum outlook may find solace in the idea that this perspective can change with age and experience. “Even if you see the world as zero-sum now, data suggests you will likely become less so over time,” Vazquez-Olivieri noted. She encourages individuals to seek advice from older family members or friends, as their experiences may offer valuable insights into a more abundant worldview.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of fostering environments that promote collaboration and shared success, rather than competition. Recognizing when a situation is truly zero-sum can lead to healthier interactions and a more harmonious society.
