Bystander responses determine whether perpetrator groups escalate or are checked

Evidence

Staub has thought deeply about the role of “by-standers” in the social processes we are describing, and he calls our attention to the occasionally absolutely critical importance of their actions—or more tragically their inactions. Often forces we are in the process of conceptualizing lead the “perpetrator” group to be constrained to continue along what Staub calls the “continuum of destructiveness.” Justifying and rationalizing what they have done, they are led to do more and do worse. Given this, it frequently will be the responses of the other elements in the society that determine whether this appalling progress of the perpetrator group continues and enrolls other elements of society, or is checked. For instance, an independent judiciary, with powers enough to stand against the usurping actions of the executive branch, can block those actions. Watergate. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3945

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains Staub’s ‘continuum of destructiveness’ concept.
• XREF: connects to: Bystander passivity both legitimizes perpetrators and transforms the bystanders themselves — Leonard S. Newman and Ralph Erber (eds.), Understanding Genocide: The Social…, 72; Silence transforms bystanders and emboldens perpetrators — Leonard S. Newman and Ralph Erber (eds.), Understanding Genocide: The Social…, 151; Bystander intervention must happen early to stop atrocity evolution — Leonard S. Newman and Ralph Erber (eds.), Understanding Genocide: The Social…, 161