Blaming the system and revolting against it are effective adaptive responses to discrimination

Evidence

A recently identified problem for prejudice victims stems from false consciousness – the idea that one may hold a complex set of beliefs that are both false and contrary to one’s social interest. In general, these beliefs justify a system of inequality in which victims find themselves (see Jackman and Jost & Hamilton, chs. 6 and 13 this volume). The net result is that actions based on such beliefs further one’s disadvantaged position in society. System justification is characterized by psychological tendencies that include failure to perceive injustice and disadvantage, justification of social roles, false attribution of blame, identification with the oppressor, and resistance to change. System justification helps to explain negative self-stereotyping by disadvantaged group members and implicates an unwitting complicity of victims in their victimization. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1071 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Psychological equity restoration can shift blame onto disadvantaged groups and motivate counter-restoration — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 469; Cognitive reappraisal of oppression rather than structural change is ethically problematic and demobilizing — Johanna Ray Vollhardt and Michelle Sinayobye Twali, Emotion-Based Reconciliation Requires…, 22; Blame attribution determines whether grievances politicize or depoliticize (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Prejudice victims can unknowingly justify the system that disadvantages them #complicates (0.78) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1071