Blaming structural inequality for outcomes protects self-esteem in disadvantaged groups

Evidence

In particular, system blaming and justification are two types of systems perception that have been investigated. System blame, the tendency to perceive structural inequalities as a source of individual and group disadvantage, has been associated with positive self-esteem in Blacks (Crocker, Luhtanen, Brodnax & Blaine, 1999). Targets of discrimination are more likely to believe that outcomes (positive or negative) are due more to structural determinants than personal character (Kleugel & Smith, 1986). Whether this perception is an ego-defensive projection or ideological perception, it is not one of the defenses proposed by Allport. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070

Categorization

• XREF: Contrasts sharply with system justification in the next paragraph — external structural blame is protective while internalized system justification is harmful — a productive tension worth resolving. — connects to: Attributing failure to femaleness rather than education worsens outcomes — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1938; The ideal of meritocracy rationalizes social inequality as natural individual failure. — Rebecca A. Martusewicz, Jeff Edmundson, and John Lupinacci, EcoJustice Education: Toward Diverse,…, 552; Psychological equity restoration can shift blame onto disadvantaged groups and motivate counter-restoration — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 469