It's more the illusion of solidarity & superiority, and a hierarchy (Power/Health, ...) that they wanted it.
Egotism (Garbage coping mechanisms) typical in repressive/regressive environment to uphold & proliferate the state of affairs (Conditioning play's a role in it, but seriously how much are you going to blame X, Y or Z).
In the end, it's the individual's fault.
Coming from a regressive/repressive environments.