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Article
Boys Do Cry: Adam Smith on Wealth and Expressing Emotions
Journal of Scottish Philosophy
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
3-1-2017
Disciplines
Abstract
Recent studies on crying show that crying is more common in happier, freer, and richer countries than in poorer and less free countries. These results can sound counterintuitive and contradict the hypothesis that crying is more observable in countries where people experience more distress. Adam Smith may offer an explanation: In the severe hardship of poverty, showing emotion and distress can be read as a sign of weakness, attracting no sympathy and compromising survival. As a result, emotional displays are avoided. Instead, wealthier commercial societies offer ease and tranquility which allows individuals to express their emotions with fewer negative consequences.
DOI
10.3366/jsp.2017.0148
Publisher
Edinburgh University Press
Citation Information
Paganelli, M. P. (2017). Boys do cry: Adam Smith on wealth and expressing emotions. Journal of Scottish Philosophy, 15(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3366/jsp.2017.0148