Situation 1
Brian and his family have lived next to a factory for more than 15 years. Brian works at the factory. Although he finds it convenient that his workplace is within walking distance, he’s worried about the negative effect of the pollution caused by the factory on his family. His children have developed asthma, and he and his wife consistently get respiratory illnesses every year. Last night, he saw on the news that the government has just passed a law that limits the amount of pollution every factory in his state can emit. Brian is hopeful now that his family’s health will begin to improve.

Situation 2
The Peña family has owned the local factory for generations. The Penas believe they are good corporate neighbors. They employ many people from the neighborhood, pay their taxes in full and on time, and donate to many charities. When they hear that the government has passed a law that requires companies to limit the amount of pollution they emit, the Penas get a little tense. They realize that it will cost them a huge amount of money to bring their factory into compliance. This expense will make the factory less profitable for them. To offset that loss of profit, they may have to donate less to the charities. They also worry they will not be able to employ as many people.

How do the attitudes of Brian and the Pena family toward the new law differ?