Procedural Justice as a Factor of Attitudes Toward the Political System: the Role of the Country's Economic Situation

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between perceived procedural justice in the political sphere, the perceived economic situation of the country, and attitudes toward the political system in Russia.
Background. Previous research has shown that the perceived procedural justice of politicians and political institutions improve attitudes toward them, satisfaction with their actions, and agreement with their decisions. Furthermore, adherence to procedural justice norms can offset the negative impact of economic problems. However, these studies have several limitations related to the sample and the method, which were taken into account in our study.
Participants. In the study, 8520 Russian citizens participated (N₁ = 3193, N₂ = 3237, N₃ = 2090).
Study design. Respondents participated in an online survey conducted on the YandexToloka platform. The study involved three measurements: the first measurement took place in September 2022, and the second and third measurements were conducted in November 2022.
Measurements. Respondents filled out questionnaires to measure perceived procedural justice in politics, perceived economic situation, and attitude toward the Russian political system (social system justification, trust in federal political institutions, and emotion toward the political system).
Results. The study showed that both perceived procedural justice and the perceived economic situation of the country were positively related to the attitude toward the Russian political system. However, assessments of economic situation and procedural justice interacted with each other: the lower respondents rated the country's economic situation, the stronger the relationship between perceived procedural justice and attitude toward the political system.
Conclusions. Russians' ability to influence political decisions, the observance of equal rights, and respectful treatment by government representatives support the political system within which these occur. This becomes especially important during times when the country faces economic difficulties.