The role of system-justification motivation, group status and system threat in directing support for hate crimes legislation

Robyn K. Mallett; Jeffrey R. Huntsinger; Janet K. Swim

doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2010.10.014

The role of system-justification motivation, group status and system threat in directing support for hate crimes legislation

Robyn K. Mallett, Jeffrey R. Huntsinger, Janet K. Swim

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

We examine factors that explain variability in attitudes toward hate crimes legislation. We find that one's posture toward the current social system directs the conditions under which characteristics of hate crimes exert the most influence. System-justification motivation is negatively related to support for hate crimes legislation (Studies 1-3). This relation is partially mediated by perceptions of harm from hate crimes. Specifically, when hate crimes target low-status groups, system-justification motivation is negatively related to perceived harm and support for hate crimes legislation. Attitudes are unaffected when high-status groups are targeted. The status of the group targeted, perceptions of hate crimes as representative of the status quo, and temporarily enhanced feelings of system threat moderate this relation (Studies 2-4).

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	384-390
Number of pages	7
Journal	Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
Volume	47
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2010.10.014
State	Published - Mar 1 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Social Psychology
Sociology and Political Science

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10.1016/j.jesp.2010.10.014

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The role of system-justification motivation, group status and system threat in directing support for hate crimes legislation

Abstract

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