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System justification theory and the alleviation of emotional distress: Palliative effects of ideology in an arbitrary social hierarchy and in society

Justice

ISBN: 978-1-84855-104-6, eISBN: 978-1-84855-105-3

Publication date: 17 December 2008

Abstract

In addition to serving a hegemonic function, system-justifying ideologies serve the palliative function of enabling people to feel better about inequality. We summarize three studies supporting this proposition. In the first study, an arbitrary hierarchy was created using the “Star Power” simulation. Results reveal that system justification is associated with increased positive affect, satisfaction, and decreased negative affect, guilt, and frustration. Two additional studies demonstrate that the dampening effect of system justification on support for the redistribution of resources is mediated by reduced moral outrage but not guilt or negative affect. Implications for social change and social justice are discussed.

Citation

Jost, J.T., Wakslak, C.J. and Tyler, T.R. (2008), "System justification theory and the alleviation of emotional distress: Palliative effects of ideology in an arbitrary social hierarchy and in society", Hegtvedt, K.A. and Clay-Warner, J. (Ed.) Justice (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 25), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 181-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0882-6145(08)25012-5

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited