Die Rolle sozialer Normen, der Situationsdefinition und sozialer Klassen beim Untergang der Titanic

Under what conditions do humans comply with social norms in life-and-death situations? Eye witnesses confirm that male passengers and crew respected the norm ??women and children first?? after the collision of the Titanic with an iceberg. In a recent publication Frey et al. (K?lner Z Soz Sozpsychol 63:237?C254, 2011) argued that the relatively large time span between the collision and the sinking of the ship was the crucial factor in explaining the remarkable degree of norm compliance. However, as is suggested here, risk perception or ??the definition of the situation?? is a relevant factor too. In contrast to Frey et al. eye-witness reports and statistical evidence raise doubts about the claim that there was no neglect or discrimination of class passengers during the catastrophic events.