Low-status people are much more sensitive to being socially rejected and are more inclined to monitor their environment for threats.

Psychologist P.J. Henry says individuals from low-status groups:

• Tend to engage in more vigilant psychological self-protection than those from high-status groups.
• Are quicker to respond violently to personal threats and insults.
• May be more prone to bullying and hostile behavior, especially when provoked.

This pattern was confirmed in 92 countries around the world. Data shows that greater status disparities predicted greater levels of violence.

People who are effective in attaining status do so through behaving generously and helpfully towards their group.

People afford greater status to individuals who donate their own money and those who sacrifice their individual interests for the public good. Demonstra...