The Dependency-Counterdependency Dynamic: Interactive Effects of System Justification and Power Distance Orientation on Radicalization against the Political System

Radical action against the political system may have substantial negative implications for society. However, little research so far has examined this form of radical engagement. In the present study, we drew on psychological theories of system justification and radicalization, and cultural theories of power distance to propose, for the first time, the existence of a dependency-counterdependency dynamic in individuals’ radical intentions against the political system. Specifically, we proposed that individuals’ system justification tendencies and radical intentions against the system would be negatively associated at lower levels of power distance orientation, that is when individuals feel dependent on a system perceived as malleable (dependency hypothesis). Conversely, system justification tendencies and radical intentions would be positively associated at higher levels of power distance orientation, reflecting dependency on a system that is perceived as fixed (counterdependency hypothesis). We tested the hypotheses using a multi-group latent structural equation model and samples from four democratic societies (NTotal = 2502) characterized by different macro-cultural and political profiles, South Korea, Italy, the UK and the US. Consistent with the hypothesized dynamic, results showed a significant latent interaction between system justification tendencies and power distance orientation. Theoretical implications of the findings, limitations and future research directions are discussed.