Just World Theory proposes that people believe the world is fundamentally just and people get what they deserve. This theory is used to rationalize victim blaming attitudes towards sexual assault. Studies show those with high levels of rape myth acceptance, like the beliefs that a victim was responsible due to their behavior, also have strong just world beliefs. These beliefs and subtle sexism interact in ways that perpetuate rape culture and victim blaming. Deconstructing the theory of a just world may help improve sexual violence prevention programs by reducing tendencies to blame victims.

1. Asking For It: Understanding
Victim Blaming Through the Lens
of Just World Theory
By : Fawn Bolak

2. What I studied

In researching possible explanations for why
victim blaming and rape myth adherence is so
pervasive, I discovered an interesting theory
that is widely upheld in American culture that
justifies victim blaming attitudes.

Just World Theory

3. What is Just World Theory?

Just World Theory, coined by Melvin Lerner,
refers to the idea that we live in a “just world”
and people get what they deserve (1980).

Essentially, those who believe in a just world
believe “good things happen to good people
and bad things happen to bad people” (Bal &
Bos, 2012).

4. What I found

People use „just world beliefs to rationalize
sexual violence.
 Lerner
explains that “awareness of another
person‟s suffering,” especially undeserved, can
be a “painful experience” to endure (1980).
 Just world belief acts as a coping mechanism for
people to rationalize injustice.

Several studies show a positive correlation
between high levels rape myth adherence and
a high belief in a just world (Grubb &
Turner, 2012).

5. What I found

Just world belief and subtle sexism operate
together in a way that is used to justify and
perpetuate rape myth adherence and victim
blaming attitudes.
Lerner: Just world judgment about what is deserved
and undeserved “reflect the norms of the culture”
(1980)
 Subtle sexism dictates the norms and just world
beliefs preserve them in our social schema.


Example: Slut shaming is a way to police
women‟s sexual behavior

If a rape survivor is deemed a „slut‟ then she is viewed as
having deserved „punishment‟

6. Why does it matter?


Deconstructing the theory of a “Just World”
may be imperative to successful sexual
violence prevention programs.
“Just world theory” can be applied to all forms
to victimization and used as a justification for
„violence against women‟ in all aspects.

7. References

Bal, M., & van den Bos, K. (2012). Blaming for a Better
Future: Future Orientation and Associated Intolerance of
Personal Uncertainty Lead to Harsher Reactions Toward
Innocent Victims. Personality and Social Psychology
Bulletin, 38(7), 835-844.

Grubb, Amy & Turner, Emily. (2012). Attribution of blame in
rape cases: A review of the impact of rape myth
acceptance, gender role conformity and substance use on
victim blaming. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17, 443452.

Lerner, M. J. (1980). The Belief in a Just World: A
Fundamental Delusion. New York: Plenum Press. Print.