Economics Income Inequality Inspires Interest in Luxury Items A state-by-state analysis of Google searches find high-status goods are of more interest in places with a larger gap between rich and poor. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice The Eco-Unfriendly Appeal of a Lush Green Lawn New research from Arizona finds we associate traditional, water-intensive landscaping with high social status. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice I.M. Smart: Middle Initials Signal Intelligence A first-of-its-kind study finds we associate middle initials with intellectual heft. Tom Jacobs
News in Brief How Putin’s Image Obsession Helps Explain the Situation in Ukraine While the crisis in Crimea might seem anything but rational, when you look at it through the lens of Putin's past actions, it starts to make some sense. Ryan O'Hanlon
Economics Dressing for Success Sometimes Means Defying the Norm New research suggests non-traditional sartorial choices can signal autonomy and a high level of status. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice It’s Good to Be Kaiser New research finds Germans with noble-sounding names are more likely to be managers. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Artifacts Our multimedia presentation on the evolution of fairness continues with an examination conspicuous consumption among primitive peoples. Alan Honick with Gordon Orians