The system always wins! How system justification undermines social change through empathic concern, prosociality, and social harmony

This dissertation delves into the role of system justification in hindering people’s intention to strive for social change through the use of collective actions. In particular, it studies how different positive constructs, such as empathic concern, prosociality, and social harmony, come into play to explain how and why believing that the societal structure and its arrangements are just and desirable ultimately leads people to avoid any type of collective action that may change the system, aiming for a more equal and just society. Across six studies, divided into two integrated sections, the research examines both emotional and motivational mechanisms linking system justification to different types of collective actions. The first section explores the mediating roles of empathic concern and prosocial orientation, showing that system-justifying beliefs are related to diminished other-oriented emotions and, consequently, reduced willingness to support disadvantaged groups. The second section introduces a novel theoretical integration between system justification and the Dual Harmony Model, proposing that system justifiers are also driven by a harmony-seeking motivation aimed at preserving the perceived social equilibrium of the justified system. Findings reveal that justifiers adopt a conflict-avoidant form of harmony, prioritizing stability and peace over justice and equality. This work extends system justification beyond its traditional emotional and cognitive boundaries, focusing on the overlooked role of positive emotions, advancing a relational-motivational understanding of why people resist social transformation. Theoretical implications for social cohesion and practical applications for promoting constructive forms of harmony and systemic awareness are discussed.