Psychology
What is The just-world hypothesis?
The just-world hypothesis is the tendency to believe the world is fundamentally fair — that people get what they deserve. While comforting, it can lead to blaming victims for their misfortune, assuming they must have done something to cause it.
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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the just-world hypothesis.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the belief that the world is basically fair.
- 2People assume others get what they deserve.
- 3It offers comfort and a sense of control.
- 4It can fuel victim-blaming and reduce empathy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the just-world hypothesis?
- The belief that the world is fair and people generally get the outcomes they deserve.
- Why is the just-world belief problematic?
- It can lead to blaming victims, assuming their suffering must be their own fault.
- Why do people believe in a just world?
- It provides comfort and a feeling of control, making a chaotic world feel more predictable.