Supporting the status quo as a motive: explaining the tolerance of social inequality in a theory of system justification by J. Jost

Abstract

Thecurrentarticle is aimed topresent and examine the main statementsof atheory of system justification (JST) introduced by J. Jost. System justification theory explains tolerance for social inequality and resistance to social change by means of the manifestation of a universal motive to justify systems and maintain the status quo. According to the JST, the motive of justifying systems is aimed at meeting the needs for an understandable and predictable image of the world shared with others, which gives them meaning to life and protection against fear. The motive is evolutionarily stable as it promotes adaptation by serving palliative function and allowing one to consider unfavorable reality fit for life. Within the framework of the theory, the use of very broad and non-specific concepts of system and justification of systems is preserved, which allows to extend positions in relation to all systems and to consider wider range of indicators of justification of systems.