Melvin J. Lerner proposed the just-world theory (also called the just-world hypothesis) in the 1960s.
At a Glance
The just world phenomenon explains why people often blame people for their own misfortunes.
In other words, people tend to look for something or someone to blame for unfortunate events.
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People who are extremely fortunate are often seen as more deserving of their good luck.
These people are often seen as being more intelligent and hard-working than less fortunate people.
In the text, Job suffers a series of terrible calamities.
Research has shown a strong link between the just-world viewpoint and religiosity.
More modern examples of the just-world phenomenon can be seen in many places.
But this denies the reality of the victim’s experience and the rolesystemic racismplays in the violence.
Poverty
People living in poverty often face prejudice and are blamed for their circumstances.
If the world is fair, people living without adequate resources are simply not doing something right.
Explanations of the Just-World Phenomenon
So, why do people use the just-world phenomenon?
Benefits
The just-world phenomenon does have some benefits.
Additionally, research has shown a link between belief in the just-world theory and dishonest behavior.
Instead of expressingempathy, the just-world phenomenon sometimes causes people to be disinterested or even scorn troubled individuals.
Understanding others' emotions may actuallylower your own stress levelsas well.
Avoid Victim-Blaming
Victim-blamingis something many of us do without realizing it.
But remember, only the perpetrator of a crime is responsible for their actions.
There are also many external factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty, for instance.
Don’t assume you know why negative things happen to someone.
Our biases andprejudicescan keep us from seeing the truth.
Am I hearing more than one perspective or only one person’s viewpoints?
Is it possible I’m not hearing the full story or all of the details?
Process your emotions and be gentle with yourself.
It isn’t easy to face the fact that the world can be an unfair place.
This cognitive bias can be challenging to overcome, but awareness can help.
When making attributions, focus on looking at all elements of the situation.
APA Dictionary of Psychology.Just-world hypothesis.
Taggart T, ed.PLoS ONE.2020;15(4):e0232359.
2020;6(8):e04488.
