From the perspective of the Construal Level Theory: Examining the effect of psychological distance on system justification

TL;DR

This study explores how psychological distance affects people's tendency to justify social systems, especially in relation to gender and political differences.

Contribution

The research introduces a novel application of Construal Level Theory to understand how psychological distance influences system justification.

Findings

Psychological distance reduces system justification in typically high-justifying groups.

Greater psychological distance leads to more convergence across status and ideological divides.

The effect varies depending on the level of identity threat.

Abstract

The current research examines the relationship between psychological distance and system justification through the lens of the Construal Level Theory. In three experimental studies, we investigated whether and how psychological distance shapes the salience of different levels of social identity relevant to system‐justifying tendencies. In Study 1, we investigated the moderating effect of psychological distance on the relationship between membership in different gender‐based groups and system justification in the context of gender inequality. In Study 2, we investigated the influence of psychological distance on the extent to which individuals with opposing political ideologies justify the system. Finally, Study 3 deepened Studies 1–2 by comparing the impact of lower‐ vs. higher‐level identity threats as a function of psychological distance. Results suggest that psychological distance reduces system justification among typically high‐justifying groups, leading to greater convergence across status and ideological divides. Implications, limitations and future directions are discussed.

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