The Case of the Pregnant Lady in the Train

A week ago, when I was commuting via the MRT during rush hour, I observed a most peculiar phenomenon. A lady, in the late stages of pregnancy, boarded the train and moved to the middle of the carriage. None of the seated passengers offered her a seat. Now, this was in no way unusual. It was simply the bystander effect occurring.

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon in which individuals are less likely to offer help when others are present. The probability of help is inversely proportional to the number of bystanders. One explanation for this phenomenon is the diffusion of responsibility. In layman's terms, it means that when others are present, you will allow an event, which you would never allow to happen if you are alone, to occur through action or inaction. Basically, you feel less responsible for the consequences.

Minutes later, she moved near a priority seat. I am sure most of you know what it is. It is a seat situated near the train doors, with a clearly visible label encouraging passengers to offer it to those in more need. The man on that seat noticed our protagonist, but to her dismay, he did nothing. She then proceeded to the other priority seat at the other end of the carriage. What happened after was most puzzling. The other passenger too, ignored her. Our unfortunate lady had to stand till the end of her journey.

The first antagonist may have his personal reasons for refusing to offer his seat. Perhaps he had a medical condition which dictated that he cannot stand for prolonged periods. But the second passenger too?

Can it be that the concept of altruism is dead? The main religions of our society and our culture stress the importance of altruistic morals. Even if these men have no conscience, and do not subscribe to these beliefs, it would still be irrational to commit such an anti-social act. Do they not know the effects of indirect reciprocity? What if a conscientious netizen posts their pictures on Stomp, or if a co-worker or friend recognises them? Do they not care about their reputation?

Perhaps they are nihilistic misanthropes or sociopaths, but what are the chances of both being such? How frustratingly baffling!