Citation

Frey BS, Savage DA, Torgler B. Ration. Soc. 2011; 23(1): 35-49.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1043463110396059

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper seeks to empirically identify what factors make it more or less likely for people to survive in a life-threatening situation. Three factors relate to individual attributes of the persons onboard: physical strength, economic resources, and nationality. Two relate to social aspects: social support and social norms. The Titanic disaster is a life-or-death situation. Otherwise-disregarded aspects of human nature become apparent in such a dangerous situation. The empirical analysis supports the notion that social norms are a key determinant in extreme situations of life or death.