Moral Neutrality in Money and Life

Money, itself, is morally neutral. It is neither good nor bad. Yet, many of us evaluate our financial situation is if it were a reflection of our personal worth. Some feel guilty about their spending habits. Others feel shame that they are not earning or saving enough. We often inaccurately and unfairly equate wealth with worth.

This is not just true for money. We place value judgments on so many aspects of life – both ours and others – that are actually morally neutral. Our culture encourages us to think of some things as bad or inferior and other things as good or superior. There are multiple reasons for this but they can usually be tracked back to capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy.

What is Moral Neutrality?

When I say that something is morally neutral, what I mean is that it’s existence is neither good nor bad. We have a tendency to consider certain behaviors as virtuous or not. But where are these beliefs coming from? Who is benefiting from these classifications? What makes certain behaviors more acceptable than others?

Personally, I think of morality in terms of whether harm is being done to oneself, others, or the earth. If I tell you that one person’s favorite color is blue while another prefers green most people (above the age of five) would agree that does not mean that one of these individuals is superior to the other. Conversely, if one person is a murder and another saves lives most of us would believe the murderer to be less virtuous. But, the majority of behaviors or characteristics are much less clear cut.

Clearly the topic of moral neutrality is predicated upon a greater discussion of morality. I am providing my own definition to prevent venturing too far into philosophical or existential territory. Everyone will have their own opinions, based upon their religion, personal ideals, and perception, among other things.

Whatever your own definition, I believe it is helpful for us to question our own beliefs, actions, and motivations. Often we find that our feelings and/or opinions are rooted in cultural and familial messages and are not necessarily in alignment with our personal beliefs.

The Morality of Sleep

Discussions of sleeping habits are something I personally find quite maddening. We have all heard phrases extolling the virtue of waking up early such as like “Early to bed, early to rise…” and “the early bird catches the worm.” Additionally, variations of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” tell us that sleep is a waste of time and we should be sleeping as little as possible. A quick internet search will give you lists of ways to reduce your need for sleep.

Science, however, tells us that people need a certain amount of sleep and that amount varies from person to person. Additionally, some people are naturally inclined to rise early while others function better on a night owl schedule.

Why should it be that one is better than the other? Why is it that so many people who preach the value of science when it comes to vaccines or evolution have a blind spot when it comes to the scientific data supporting our need for sleep and rest.

Clearly there is a productivity narrative at work here. The earlier we wake, the longer we work, the more advantageous it is for capitalism and the owners of industry. (Side note: I recently read Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance and it is groundbreaking work on this topic.)

Introversion is Not Inferior

The morality of introversion v. extroversion is another judgment that we frequently see play out in society. Jobs that involve extroversion (sales, management) generally out-pay their introverted counterparts (operations). Schools generally prize extroverted behavior and activities.

There is no inherent reason that we should favor extroversion. Extroverts and Introverts both make unique and necessary contributions to society. The number of introverts and extroverts is pretty evenly split.

Susan Cain’s 2012 book “Quiet” sparked a lot of conversation on how introverts are undervalued. Her fascinating TED talk on introversion also explores the roots of the preference for extroversion.

The Morality of Spending and Saving

How we spend our money is a topic awash in moral judgment. Due to my profession I spend a lot of time considering, reading about, and discussing spending behaviors. Everyone has opinions on everyone else’s spending habits. In most* instances, however, spending is morally neutral.

*I know many people would be happy to cite instances of mothers spending money on drugs while kids starve, etc. but that is far from the majority of the population.

If you decide to spend your money on multiple small purchases rather than infrequent large ones, that is often viewed as wasteful. It is true that many people fall into this trap and may benefit from a budget that allows them to save. But, first, that does not mean that the person failing to save is bad. It simply means that they could use some help with or attention on their finances. Furthermore, what if that individual is happier with small purchases? Maybe they gain more joy from their daily latte than they would from an annual vacation. That is their decision and it is okay.

There is a lot of commentary in the news about Americans not saving enough. It is very true that our society lacks social safety nets and people are wise to consider their future financial needs and plan ahead to the extent that they are able.

I also argue that our society is overrun with consumerism and it may be helpful for each of us to consider the impact of our spending upon our communities and the planet.

But, that does not mean that people who do not save are morally inferior. Often, people do not save because they don’t have the financial means to do so. At other times, people don’t save because they don’t understand how or find it overwhelming. A lack of saving may be an indications of a persons skill, ability, or inclination, but it is not an expression of their virtue.

The Virtue of Earning More

Similar to spending and saving, the act of earning money is morally neutral. Sure, there may be situations in which a person is able to work and earn money, neglects to do so, and it harms others. But, generally, that is not what we are looking at.

Rather, the amount of one’s income is the result of a combination of factors. Often an individuals income involves unearned privilege such as gender, race, ethnic background, and family background. Other factors such as intelligence, education, work ethic, etc. can be a combination of earned and unearned privilege.

If you asked a group of executives if they would rather do another job (such as janitor or roofer) for the same salary, I suspect most would say no. Yet, we have this belief that the higher somebody rises in a company the more valuable their job is and the more they deserve to earn.

Having a job that pays well may be indicative of ones background, drive, skill set, or even commitment. But, that does not mean that the higher paying job is morally superior to that which pays less.

The Gender and racial wages gaps illustrate that income is not a question of virtue. We know that, as a whole, women earn less than men. Similarly, Indigenous, Black, and Latino people earn less than Whites. If we support the idea that earning less is “bad” then we are supporting white supremacist and patriarchal ideals.

I speak with so many women who are down on themselves for not earning enough money. If you wish to earn more than I encourage you to seek higher income. At the same time, please be aware that your earnings do not define you, your success, or your competence.

Commonly Judged Traits and Behaviors

Countless personal traits are viewed as superior without justification. We place high value those with athletic ability, intelligence, and traditional beauty. We recognize that the individuals have done nothing personally to achieve these traits. Yet, our society pushes the idea that people with these characteristics are better and deserve rewards for possessing them.

My colleague Amy Rhoda Brown recently sent a newsletter in which she discusses the morally neutral task of housekeeping. How many of us have silently (or loudly) judged another for having a messy house? Or maybe you, like me, are the one worried about being judged on your housekeeping. Either way, assuming that there is a level of cleanliness that allows for health and safety, why do we view a spotless home as better than a messy one?

It is true that there are situations in which one specific trait or characteristic is more advantageous than another. There is a clear reason why jockeys are smaller people while basketball players are tall. A night owl may be better suited for a graveyard shift. In a society with minimal safety nets the person who is able to earn or save more holds an advantage. But this is not a question of morality or superiority. As we consider the traits of ourselves and others, lets consider which characteristics truly involve ethics or virtue and which are rooted in societal messaging. And, let’s remember that money itself is morally neutral.