The startling sight — a man in a business suit collecting for the homeless — probably wasn’t the reason, they continue to write. Because then one would have expected passers-by to react in other ways, for example by saying something to him. But it didn’t happen. In fact, a follow-up survey showed that the supplicant was judged differently depending on how he dressed: in clothes he appeared more competent, friendly and even more human, and respondents felt more like this person.
Researchers explain that perceived similarity leads to greater empathy. Status symbols such as clothing serve as a means of identification: anyone who is relatively wealthy is more likely to recognize themselves in a person whose appearance suggests similar status and this encourages a willingness to help. Conversely, the presumed belonging to a less privileged social class could limit the willingness to help.
