---
title: "Utilitarian Function of Attitude: GS4 Guide | Model Diplomat"
description: "The utilitarian function of attitude explains how people form attitudes to maximize rewards and minimize punishments, crucial for UPSC ethics exams."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/utilitarian-function-of-attitude"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The utilitarian function of attitude is the psychological process by which people adopt attitudes that maximize external rewards and minimize punishments from their environment.
- Who proposed the utilitarian function of attitude?
- How does the utilitarian function differ from the value-expressive function?
- Why does it matter for UPSC GS Paper IV?
- Can policymakers use the utilitarian function to change behaviour?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The utilitarian function of attitude is the psychological process by which people adopt attitudes that maximize external rewards and minimize punishments from their environment.

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In May 2016, India's Ministry of Petroleum launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, removing the cost of LPG connections to cultivate a utilitarian attitude toward clean cooking fuel among rural households.

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