Existing social arrangements are rationalized merely because they exist

Evidence

System-justification refers to the psychological process whereby prevailing conditions, be they social, political, economic, sexual, or legal, are accepted, explained, and justified simply because they exist. As Mason (1971) writes, the disadvantaged come to “believe that the system is part of the order of nature and that things will always be like this” (p. 11). We argue that stereotypes often are used to serve this ideological function. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2915 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Existing social arrangements get justified simply because they exist — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2915; People legitimize existing social arrangements even against their own interests — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2874; Stereotypes justify existing social arrangements and preserve the status quo — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1415 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Existing social arrangements get justified simply because they exist #corroborates (1.00) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2915