Helpful and in Danger: Attributes and Correlates of Perceived Occupational Heroism

Abstract

Some occupations such as firefighters are described as heroic, while others, such as healthcare workers, are applauded as “heroes” in crises. In two preregistered correlational studies conducted on representative U.K. samples, we evaluated theory-based attributes of occupational heroism, and its relationship to specific policy-relevant attitudes toward occupations. In Study 1 (N = 430), we confirmed that occupational heroism relates to the perceived helpfulness and risk exposure of workers. In Study 2 (N = 840), we further showed that occupational heroism is associated with a moral shield: workers’ hero status correlates with decreased acceptability of criticism toward them, and increased support for deregulating them and protecting them from punishment for rule-breaking. Unlike previous findings suggesting a willingness to exploit heroized workers, heroism correlated with increased gratitude toward workers, support for their demands, and perception that they are vulnerable. Societal consequences and relevance for policy-making are discussed.