Justice for Whom, Exactly? Beliefs in Justice for the Self and Various Others

Abstract

The present studies examine why people think the world is more just to themselves than to others generally. Beliefs in justice for the self were uniquely associated with psychological adjustment, consistent with the theoretical motive to believe in justice for the self (Studies 1 and 2). However, this "justice motive" did not appear to affect the relative strength of justice beliefs. Instead, self-other differences in justice beliefs appeared to reflect objective assessments of the justice received by various demographics. Undergraduates believed the world to be more just to themselves than to others but not their undergraduate peers specifically (Study 1). Participants of both genders believed the world to be more just to men, and to themselves, than to women (Study 2). Women did not exempt themselves individually from injustice but believed, similar to men, that undergraduate women receive as much justice as men (Study 3).

Time Frame and Justice Motive: Future Perspective Moderates the Adaptive Function of General Belief in a Just World

“…In the case of collectivistic cultures where people have to confront widespread disasters [47] and socioeconomic obstruction [48], a robust GBJW could help such individuals as the Confucians in harsh realities pursue a good life through their own ability, power, and effort, or help such individuals as Taoists spiritually enjoy the meaning of transcending adversity [49], [50]. Of course, we notice that GBJW is not specifically restricted to collectivistic cultures, and a robust GBJW has also been shown by cross-situational and cross-cultural investigations to be present in a large amount of Western literature [7], [14], [28], [51], [52], [53], [54], [55]. Further research is required to disentangle the potential moderating roles of culture and disadvantage.…”

Benevolent Sexism, Perceived Health Risks, and the Inclination to Restrict Pregnant Women’s Freedoms

“…However, men may feel less entitled to intervene on women's behavior, for fear of being perceived as sexist (cf. Sutton, Elder, & Douglas, 2006), or of contributing to the gender inequality whose existence they sometimes acknowledge exists (Sutton et al, 2008).…”

To Confront Versus not to Confront: Women’s Perception of Sexual Harassment

“…Thus, the sexist ideology is a variable influencing challenges to the established order between men and women, and what is considered to be acceptable and normal in traditional relationships. This system of beliefs or 'legitimizing ideologies' serves to justify and perpetuate gender inequality that has prevailed throughout history (O'Brien & Major, 2005;Sutton et al, 2008).…”