Emotions in Justice Processes

Abstract

Emotions contribute to how individuals and groups make sense out of their experiences of (in) justice. Classic justice approaches typically cast emotions as a response to perceived (distributive, procedural, and interactional) injustice, which in turn influences behavioral reactions. More recent work recognizes affect as a potential antecedent to the experience of injustice as well as stresses the dynamic relationship between cognitions, emotions, and behavior. Consideration of such dynamics draws attention to the context of the experience of injustice and the role of observers or third parties who do not similarly suffer injustice. This chapter examines basic definitions and theoretical tenets of justice perspectives that address the role of emotions and reviews individual and group-level empirical patterns. The conclusion specifies theoretical directions and empirical pathways, highlighting the complexity of emotions in justice processes.