The Just-World Hypothesis: Believing That People Get What They Deserve

The Just-World Hypothesis is a psychological concept that suggests people have a deep-seated belief that the world is inherently fair, where individuals get what they deserve. This belief leads people to assume that good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people. It is a cognitive bias that serves as a mechanism for reducing feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about the randomness and chaos of the world. This belief in a just world helps individuals to feel more in control of their lives and less vulnerable to the uncertainties of the world around them.

The hypothesis was first proposed by psychologist Melvin Lerner in the 1960s, and it has since been widely studied in the fields of psychology and sociology. Lerner’s research showed that people often justify the suffering of others by believing that those who experience hardship or injustice must have somehow deserved it. For example, when people see others suffering, they may reason that the victims must have done something to bring the suffering upon themselves, whether through their actions, choices, or inherent characteristics. This allows people to maintain their belief in a just world, as it provides a sense of order and predictability in what might otherwise seem to be a random and unfair world.

One of the primary psychological functions of the Just-World Hypothesis is to reduce feelings of powerlessness. When individuals can attribute suffering to a victim's behavior or actions, they can distance themselves from the fear of experiencing similar fates. This belief offers a form of psychological protection, assuring people that they can avoid misfortune by adhering to social norms, behaving morally, and making the right choices. As a result, individuals may experience less anxiety about the unpredictability of life, as they can convince themselves that misfortune is not random, but rather a consequence of personal shortcomings or wrongdoings.

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