College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Kathryn Grant, PhD

Second Advisor

Jocelyn Carter, PhD

Abstract

The attitudes people hold about the social structure around them have varying explanations in the field of psychology. System justification represents the idea that people will accept and enforce the social structures that exist because of the underlying need for consistency (Jost et al., 2004). Also central to this theory is the idea that people will legitimize structures because of a desire for the status quo to remain (Jost, 2001). These ideas seek to explain the problematic ideologies that maintain unfair social structures and why people allow them to remain. Studies have found individuals will support unjust systems because either it benefits them or seems too daunting to change. However, there are factors that may make system justification of unfair systems less likely (Jost, 2001). The purpose of this study is to look at the impact that empowerment and race have on system justifying beliefs. The study examines 604 participants (ages 18-65+) who completed self-report questionnaires on empowerment, system justification, and demographic information. Findings from this study will further our understanding of how someone's psychological empowerment and their race can affect the strength of their system justifying beliefs.

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Psychology Commons

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