Independent Self-Construal and Opposition to Affirmative Action: The Role of Microjustice and Macrojustice Preferences

Why are people with a stronger independent self-construal more opposed to affirmative action than those with a weaker independent
self-construal? Drawing on prior research, we predicted that this is because the former endorse microjustice principles—which
are perceived to be violated by affirmative action—and disregard macrojustice principles—which affirmative action seeks to
ensure. In contrast, people with a weak independent self-construal endorse both microjustice and macrojustice. The results
from three studies support our reasoning. Our research contributes to theorizing on affirmative action by illuminating the
important role of both microjustice and macrojustice concerns in predicting opposition to affirmative action. We discuss the
implications of our research within the North American context for increasing people’s endorsement of macrojustice in an effort
to mitigate opposition to social policies aimed at redressing societal injustice.