Unethical behaviors (e.g., stealing) are viewed more positively when they benefit someone other than the unethical actor. Scholars argue actors can use this “prosociality” effect to restore their identities after they engage in deviant actions. We investigate whether this interactional resource is more available to some categories of people than others. We use the intersectionality literature to discuss how combinations of race and gender might influence whether a prosocial unethical behavior is defined in negative or positive terms. We use affect control theory to generate hypotheses about when the intersectional identities will lead to more negative or positive evaluations and labeling of the actor and behavior. In an online experiment, we find that the evaluation and labeling of an actor are less affected by prosociality when he is a white male. Women of both races and men of color can restore their identities, but only by behaving in a completely prosocial way.

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is an inherited red cell membrane disorder with characteristic morphology: striking anisopoikilocytosis with red cell fragmentation and microspherocytes. Clinical and laboratory physicians must be aware of the potential impact of this disorder on accuracy of complete blood count results reported by automated hematology instruments. Recognition of the morphologic and laboratory findings are important for recognizing this potentially severe anemia.

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How can moral transgressors rebuild their image as good people? Using affect control theory, I hypothesize that prosociality—benefitting others—will blunt negative impressions of a norm violator. I also hypothesize that benefitting good or weak people—and not bad or powerful people—will amplify the positive effect of prosociality. In two survey-vignette studies, participants reported their perceptions about a man who takes money from a found wallet—unethical behavior—and gives or does not give it to someone else—prosocial behavior. Results show prosociality redeems violators more when they help good rather than bad persons. In certain situations, helping powerless persons is more image revamping than helping powerful persons.