Without doing any research or studies yet, I claim that third-worlders are generally more deficient in individual integrity than first-worlders. I think this is partially responsible for the shift in national culture in the U.S. by the massive influx of Latin Americans. (I dare say the very definition of civilized may hinge upon individual integrity.)

Putting tools where they were found or returning them to those from whom they were borrowed is an exception rather than a rule. Showing up on time and getting the job done as specified is also an uncommon exception for contract laborers. Maintaining responsibility for those in their charge (kids, pets, employees, etc.) is also an extension of integrity and far more lacking among third-worlders. Obeying laws, especially those deemed "little", just isn't terribly important for those lacking personal integrity. This is most notable in the overwhelming, illegal migration from the third-world south to the otherwise prosperous U.S.

The U.S. was first colonized by those typically demonstrating the utmost integrity (i.e., Puritans and other God-fearing Christians). Their integrity helped set the tone for the nation, but it cannot last as uncontrolled immigration supplants the nation's roots with a new culture largely lacking this virtue. When such a huge change in population demographic occurs, the native, first-world, civilized population cannot endure the onslaught of third-worlders lacking in integrity. This is especially evident as the new arrivals use their lack of virtue to their advantage and use the native, first-worlders' integrity against them. This can be seen both in the U.S. in its uncontrolled Central and South American migration northward as well as on the geopolitical stage between Muslim nations and Judeo-Christian nations (J-C in cultural heritage, anyway).

Why does the third world typically show a lack of personal integrity? Some might be tempted to suggest expediency--needs going unmet in an economy not yet self-sufficient. Of course, this is no excuse, but I reject this as an acceptable explanation. Ultimately, this individual behavior must come from individual worldviews. Given a Judeo-Christian worldview--ideally a Biblical one--lack of integrity is simply not acceptable. A man must do what a man says he will do. He demonstrates virtue because virtue is asked of him by God. He believes in ultimate accountability such that he will answer for any lack of integrity.

In contrast, those hailing from the third world tend to have worldviews incompatible with Judeo-Christianity. Those from Muslim nations are taught by the Koran that immoral behavior is acceptable with infidels, that lying is justified--even murder. Those from uncivilized Africa often practice animism and other pagan religions whereby survival is more important than virtue. Those from Central and South America, while ostensibly Christian, are largely descended from pagan aboriginals themselves, often historically practicing cannibalism and human sacrifice. Given the colonization there was less by Puritans and more by conquerors, I rather doubt a truly Judeo-Christian ethic was planted there. To be fair--and politically incorrect--it's easily observed that there are two classes of people in Central and South America: those descended from aboriginals and those of European and therefore Christian descent. Casual observation tends to support a noticeable division of civilization along those same lines (though the J-C heritage of the European descendants is indeed fading just as it is here).

A notable exception are some of the Asian cultures (present atheist regimes notwithstanding) where individual integrity seems to be more the norm than not even among non-Christians. This presents an apparently interesting opportunity to understand how their non-J-C worldviews still promote J-C-like integrity. Perhaps postdiluvian migration eastward carried Godly values and beliefs, even though they later strayed doctrinally. The puzzle, then, is why American aboriginals didn't also take these values, as they descend from these eastward migrants.

One might argue that a lack of integrity is not the result of third-world status, but that third-world status is the collective result of a popular lack of individual integrity. Without virtues holding us above our sinful, self-serving, animal-like desires, we collectively degenerate into a pre-civilized state. As the culture of the U.S. forfeits its J-C heritage, accepting the invading values from the south, namely a lack of integrity, we can expect to join our southern neighbors in their third-world status.

I've written some really politically incorrect things here (not that this is new for me). If you think I'm wrong, explain why. Understand, though, that I speak in general terms of gross trends and do not accuse every single individual in the third-world collective of lacking integrity--just an unspecified majority.