The effect of the physical environment on adolescents’ sense of justice

Belief in a Just World (BJW) theory suggests that individuals need to believe that people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get, which helps them make sense of reality and set future expectations. While research highlights the influence of social environments on BJW, few studies have explored the impact of physical environments, especially in young people. The city of São Paulo, characterized by stark economic and educational disparities and socio-spatial segregation, offers a unique context to examine this relationship. These disparities result in lower access to essential services, increased exposure to risks, and reduced social mobility, all of which may affect perceptions of vulnerability and injustice. This study analyzed longitudinal data from 659 adolescents over three waves (ages 12–14) of the São Paulo Legal Socialization Study to test the hypothesis that differences in physical environments shape perceptions of justice, accounting for covariates like family interactions, police encounters, sex, and family income. Findings show that adolescents from disadvantaged urban typologies are more likely to develop BJW trajectories where they believe the world is fairer to others than to themselves. Exposure to environments marked by inequality and limited resources may erode their belief in fairness and the legitimacy of justice systems. Addressing these environmental inequalities is essential for fostering a sense of fairness, promoting social cohesion, and building a more equitable society.