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What kind of rationalization is system justification?
Kristin Laurin1, William M Jettinghoff1
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4Canada. klaurin@psych.ubc.cawill.jettinghoff@psych.ubc.cahttps://magiclab.psych.ubc.ca/group/lab-director/https://magiclab.psych.ubc.ca/person/will-jettinghoff/.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|April 16, 2020
Summary
System justification theory explains how people positively view the status quo. This study suggests system justification may stem from explaining inaction against inequality, offering novel predictions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Rationalization refers to explanations for one's actions.
- System justification theory describes efforts to view the status quo positively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconcile differing definitions of rationalization.
- To propose that system justification arises from explaining inaction against inequality.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis and conceptual integration of existing literature.
- Development of novel, testable hypotheses.
Main Results:
- A unified understanding of rationalization and system justification.
- Identification of two unique predictions derived from the proposed model.
Conclusions:
- System justification can be understood as a motivated explanation for failing to challenge inequality.
- The proposed interpretation offers new avenues for empirical research in social psychology.
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