The Fair Process Effect
Overcoming Distrust, Polarization, and Conspiracy Thinking

An illustration of how being treated in genuinely fair and just ways lowers distrust, polarization, and unfounded conspiracy thinking.

Kees van den Bos (Author)

9781009218986, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 November 2023

174 pages
23.5 x 16 x 1.5 cm, 0.399 kg

'This book is timely, providing a comprehensive review of social psychological research on the topic and showcasing the practical applicability of research in addressing societal issues. This study is accessible to even novice readers, illustrating how research can contribute to solving social problems … Recommended.' S. Reysen, CHOICE

The Fair Process Effect aims to shed light on why there are so many instances of distrust, polarization, and conspiracy thinking in our world and what we can do about this. The book focuses on the fair process effect as a mechanism that may help to start overcoming these important issues of societal discontent. This is a positive effect that people exhibit when they have been treated in genuinely fair and just ways by fellow human beings and societal authorities. Current insights presented in the book aid the understanding of why people may experience discontent, distrust, and disillusionment. Furthermore, these insights can be used to start countering exaggerated levels of distrust, heightened polarization, and unfounded conspiracy thinking. To this end, Van den Bos develops a coherent and modern account of the fair process effect, targeted at understanding and managing these pertinent issues.

Preface
Part I. Introduction
1. A Framework for Understanding Societal Discontent
Part II. Perceiving Procedural Fairness: 2. Criteria
3. Psychological Processes
Part III. The Fair Process Effect: 4. Basic Review
5. Psychological Processes
Part IV. Examining Societal Discontent: 6. Distrust
7. Polarization
8. Conspiracy Thinking
Part V. Overcoming Societal Discontent: 9. Opening Up
10. The Future
Acknowledgements
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]