Just World Hypothesis and Attribution Theory

Introduction to Just World Hypothesis

• Key Phrases: "You got what you deserved", "You reap what you sow"
• Concept: Actions have predictable and appropriate consequences, often seen as a cosmic justice.
• Noble Acts: Rewarded
• Evil Acts: Punished

Implications of Just World Hypothesis

• Rationalization: Helps individuals rationalize good or bad fortunes of others.
• Predictability: Provides a sense of control and predictability in life, e.g., "If I work hard, I will be rewarded."

Challenges to Just World Hypothesis

• Reality Check: Not always true; noble actions aren't always rewarded, and evil deeds aren't always punished.
• Victim Blaming: May lead to blaming victims for their misfortune, e.g., poverty or domestic violence.

Coping with Threats to Just World View

• Rational Techniques:
  • Accept reality
  • Prevent or correct injustice (charities, legal system, petitions)
• Irrational Techniques:
  • Denial: Refusing to accept reality
  • Reinterpretation: Changing perception of events, outcomes, causes, or victim's character
    • Examples: Downplaying violent acts, blaming the victim's environment or character

Attribution Theory

• Definition: Explains behavior of others through internal (personal) and external (situational) causes.
• Internal Causes: Related to individual's disposition
• External Causes: Situational factors
• Over-Attribution: Just World Hypothesis often over-attributes actions to personal factors, underestimating situational influences.

Real-World Application

• Example: Poverty
  • Personal Failings vs. Complex Situational Factors
  • Attribution Theory helps recognize the broader context influencing individual circumstances.