The future weighs heavier than the past: Collective guilt, perceived control and the influence of time

摘要

The present research examines whether people can experience collective guilt for harmful events that have yet to be committed. In two experiments, we show that people not only experience collective guilt for future harm but feel it to a greater extent than for an identical event that occurred in the past. In Experiment 1, Canadians felt more collective guilt for flooding Aboriginal lands in 1 month’s time than 1 month ago. This time effect was mediated by increased levels of perceived control over the harm inflicted. In Experiment 2, the same pattern was found among Germans for the decision by a German company to use suppliers that subject their Bangladeshi employees to inhumane working conditions. Moreover, they were also willing to compensate future harm more than past harm. Implications for groups seeking reparation are discussed.