Overview & Description:

The Just-World Hypothesis suggests that individuals have a cognitive bias to believe that the world is fair and thus people get what they deserve. This often implies that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.

Example:

If someone sees a prosperous person, they might assume that the individual worked hard or has positive characteristics that led to their success, ignoring potential factors like privilege or luck.

Implications:

Understanding this hypothesis is vital to comprehend victim-blaming and to promote empathy and realistic perceptions in sociocultural contexts, legal settings, and social service provision.

References:

• Lerner, M. J. (1980). The belief in a just world: A fundamental delusion. Plenum Press.