What makes us human? What separates us from other primates? Scientifically, we have similar anatomy and yes, behavior. Sometimes traits that we view as uniquely human are anything but. As with humans, within primate groups there is always a pecking order. A primate is either dominant or submissive which has a direct relationship to ranking in the group. Access to food, feeding competition mates, etc., is also dependent on ranking.
What happens in a clinical environment when a Capuchin monkey is asked to do the same job as a second Capuchin, but for different pay? It appears that we humans are not as unique as we think we are. It turns out that primate behavior reflects some of the same traits as it does for us humans. Monkeys reject unequal pay too!
A Capuchin was asked to give a rock to a researcher in exchange for a treat. The Capuchin complies and receives a cucumber in return. Initially the Capuchin is perfectly happy with the treat and continues to participate in the test. But then the Capuchin observes a second Capuchin receiving a grape, a far more attractive reward, for performing the same job. When confronted with this unequal pay for equal work, the monkey becomes outraged! Now we have a clear indication of how monkeys respond to concepts of unfairness!
The link is here if you want to laugh. The UpWorthy. "2 Monkeys Were Paid Unequally; See What Happens Next."
http://www.upworthy.com/2-monkeys-were-paid-unequally-see-what-happens-next
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