Just-world hypothesis

/dʒʌst wɜːɹld haɪˈpɒθ.ɪ.sɪs/ noun

Definition

The cognitive bias that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get, leading to blame of victims and faith that life is fair.

Etymology

From Old English 'just' (righteous) + 'world' + Greek 'hypothesis.' The belief that the world is just. Described by Melvin Lerner in 1980.

Kelly Says

The just-world hypothesis is believing life is always fair — good things happen to good people and bad things to bad ones. Comforting but dangerously wrong.

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