I agree with this.

I'm in a wealthy suburb (I'm not wealthy) and trust me, the rich are more selfish than anyone. The push to put their children at the top of the pile is unbelievable. There's voting, and then there's daily actions, and yes, even if you don't start out selfish, I think society certainly forces you that way. When you're afraid, and increasingly we all are, the feeling of "I've just got to take care of my own" definitely comes to the fore.