The hidden role of the physical environment on adolescents’ justice beliefs and legal socialization

• In Event: New Perspectives on Crime and Justice

Abstract

Just World theory postulates that individuals need to believe that they live in a world where people get what they deserve and deserve what they get. This belief in a just world (BJW) helps individuals to make sense of reality and guide expectations. Studies show that the social environment in which children grow up and the quality of their relationships with authorities affect their BJW. However, few studies have investigated the role of the physical environment in shaping these beliefs in youth. For that, the São Paulo Legal Socialization Study presents a singular opportunity to investigate the effect of differences in the physical environments of neighborhoods in shaping young people's sense of justice. São Paulo is the largest and richest Brazilian city, but it is also where inequalities are most salient. The high economic and educational disparities and the socio-spatial segregation generates several negative consequences, including lower access to essential services, exposure to health risks, propensity to violence, and lower social mobility. These discrepancies increase vulnerability and injustice. This study used longitudinal data from 656 adolescents who participated in the three consecutive years (12-14 years) to test the hypothesis that differences in physical environment shape adolescents' perception of justice. Previous results had shown that socio-economic status differentiates adolescents’ perceptions of justice. Our current analysis shows that even after controlling for interaction with parents, teachers, and the police, and sex, race/ethnic group, and family income, there was influence of neighborhood typology on adolescent justice perceptions. Adolescents from neighborhoods with high vulnerability and degradation are more likely to think their personal lives are less fair than their peers, which overlaps with how much they legitimize the laws and break the law. These results show the importance of the physical environment in shaping justice beliefs and behaviors.

Authors

• André Vilela Komatsu, University of Sao Paulo

• Kendra Thomas, Hope College