The Science of Tipping – Why Do We Do It?

This episode explores the history, psychology, and cultural differences behind tipping. Originating in 17th-century Europe, tipping spread to the U.S. but was once seen as undemocratic. Today, it's deeply embedded in American service culture, often driven more by guilt, habit, and social pressure than service quality. We examine global contrasts—where tipping is expected in the U.S., but seen as rude in Japan—and discuss the ethical concerns around fairness, wage gaps, and worker dependence on tips. Tipping, it turns out, is less about money—and more about emotion, power, and human connection.