Doing Something in Political Psychology

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ID: 333150
2026
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Abstract
Abstract This chapter follows John Jost’s personal and intellectual journey into political psychology, tracing how early family influences and academic mentors led him to integrate psychological theory with political activism. He discovers in social psychology a framework for connecting individual motivation to societal structures, ultimately developing system justification theory, which explains why people, including members of disadvantaged groups, often rationalize and defend the status quo. His second major contribution pertains to “elective affinities” and the psychology of political orientation. Jost draws from diverse thinkers to argue that belief systems reflect psychological needs to manage uncertainty, threat, and social belonging, which shape left-right ideological preferences. Through extensive empirical research, he demonstrates how ideological orientations correlate with neurocognitive styles, emotional needs, personality traits, and sociopolitical attitudes across cultures and contexts. Finally, the chapter affirms the power of theory and collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge, emphasizing Jost’s lifelong commitment to using political psychology to understand and challenge inequality and illegitimate aspects of institutional power.
Reference Key
openalex_W7223087498 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors John T. Jost
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Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/oso/9780197771051.003.0014
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197771051.003.0014
Keywords Keywords not found

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