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.