Monkeys & Fairness

A fascinating video indicates that monkeys have a basic understanding of fairness - and injustice.

Monkeys Hate Unfairness

Research found that monkeys are sensitive to reward distribution.

Give two monkeys a cucumber for a simple task is OK. But if one monkey sees his neighbor get a more desirable grape for the same tasl, they become agitated. Also, if the 2nd monkey gets a grape without doing anything, the 1st monkey gets very agitated ... something like resentment or envy. Researchers say the behavior resembles human's repugnance to current Wall Street bonuses.

Fairness in Children

Research finds that children below age 7 didn't care about fairness, older kids did.

200 Swiss schoolchildren were given candy and each child was asked something to the effect of: "I can give one M&M to you and one to one of the other kids. Or I can give one to you—and none to anyone else."

3-4 year olds didn’t care if their friends got candy but after age 7, ~80% opted to be fair.