Theory of Belief in a Just World and Legal Socialization: Perspectives in Studies on Children and Adolescents

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Publication Source

Civitas

Volume Number

23

Issue Number

1

ISSN

15196089

E-ISSN

19847289

Article Number

e43012

Abstract

In this article, we provide an overview of Just World Theory and legal socialization research and how these explain how youth legitimize authorities and comply with rules based on justice. The article analyzes the literature in three parts: demonstrating legal socialization as a valuable research field to study how people internalize norms and social rules, develop trust in authorities, and shape legal attitudes and behaviors; presenting just world theory as a way to identify the mechanisms that shape justice perceptions; discussing how perceptions of justice can influence the relationships between children and authorities and shape attitudes towards the law. Based on the evidence presented, we conclude that a higher belief in justice can increase the level of cooperation with authorities because individuals are motivated by the expectations of just treatment and just rewards.

Keywords

Adolescents, Authority, Belief in a Just World, Children, Legal Socialization, Legitimacy

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