One of the most reliable sources of rank in human societies is socioeconomic status (Kraus & Keltner, 2013). A person’s socioeconomic status, or social class, is defined by how much an individual can access material resources, such as education or income, and how it is relative to others (Krause & Keltner, 2013). As cited in Krause & Keltner (2013), sociologist and social psychologist Emile Durkheim theorized that social class classes represent natural labor division forces where people hold jobs that are similar to their talent and skills. Alarmingly, in the last three decades, the income gap between social classes in America has increased significantly (Malahy, Rubinlicht, & Kaiser, 2009).
In relation to the growing income gap, the issue of homelessness is growing in prevalence within the United States (Toro et al., 2007). Homelessness can be defined in a range of ways: from living in the streets or seeking refuge in shelters, to living with family and friends (Toro et al., 2007). There are a variety of responses when it comes to homeless individuals such as helping out the individual or even placing blame upon them for their situation. Past studies have looked at different sociological, psychological, and culture factors that may shape people’s perceptions on homelessness (Baumgartner, Bauer, and Bui, …show more content…
This belief is a way that people perceive the world as a just place and whether people deserve what comes to them, both good or bad (Lerner & Miller, 1978). A just world belief concept also provides benefits for people such as motivation, self-efficacy, and self-worth among others (Furnham, 2003). Because of important functions, people go to great lengths to maintain their beliefs to justify the world they live in (Hafer & Begue, 2005). In fact, past research suggests that poor people deserve their fate (as cited in Hunt,
In relation to the growing income gap, the issue of homelessness is growing in prevalence within the United States (Toro et al., 2007). Homelessness can be defined in a range of ways: from living in the streets or seeking refuge in shelters, to living with family and friends (Toro et al., 2007). There are a variety of responses when it comes to homeless individuals such as helping out the individual or even placing blame upon them for their situation. Past studies have looked at different sociological, psychological, and culture factors that may shape people’s perceptions on homelessness (Baumgartner, Bauer, and Bui, …show more content…
This belief is a way that people perceive the world as a just place and whether people deserve what comes to them, both good or bad (Lerner & Miller, 1978). A just world belief concept also provides benefits for people such as motivation, self-efficacy, and self-worth among others (Furnham, 2003). Because of important functions, people go to great lengths to maintain their beliefs to justify the world they live in (Hafer & Begue, 2005). In fact, past research suggests that poor people deserve their fate (as cited in Hunt,