PLoS One November 2013 PMID 23626737

The roles of dehumanization and moral outrage in retributive justice.

Brock Bastian, Thomas F Denson, Nick Haslam

Download social card

Mentions

9
Peak: 2 in Jan 2022
across 3 sources since Dec 2020

Extended reach

28,895
potential audience

Total likes

568

Video views

14,198

Mentions per month

Dec 2020 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, posts demonstrate significant interest in the psychological and social implications of dehumanization and moral outrage, with some referencing specific authors and studies, suggesting deeper engagement. The tone along with phrases like 'study further' and 'motivation to morally disengage' underscores their recognition of the article's potential impact on societal understanding and justice systems.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

The discussions show mixed reactions, with some recognizing the importance of the psychological mechanisms discussed, while others question or criticize aspects, resulting in a neutral overall agreement.

InterestHigh interest

Most posts express high curiosity about the article's themes of dehumanization and moral outrage, especially the suggestions for further study in various contexts.

EngagementModerate engagement

A few comments delve into detailed reflections on how dehumanization relates to moral disengagement, indicating moderate engagement; some also reference related studies and practical implications.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversations highlight the relevance of the research, particularly in understanding social behavior and justice, which could influence public discourse and institutional practices.

Abstract in brief

  • The research explores how moral outrage and dehumanization influence retributive justice, showing that both independently predict the severity of punishment regardless of the type or severity of crimes.
  • Participants in surveys from Australia and the U.S. read about various crimes, and results indicated that moral outrage and dehumanization mediated the connection between perceived harm and punishment severity.
  • These findings suggest that dehumanizing offenders plays a significant role in justice decisions, expanding our understanding of the psychological processes behind retributive punishment.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Laris Vrahimis
@LarisVrahimis · X

Η ευκολία με την οποία κάποιοι θεωρούν ότι έχουν το ελεύθερο να αρνούνται την ανθρώπινη υπόσταση άλλων αποκαλώντας τους «υπάνθρωπους» ή «ζώα» θεωρώντας μάλιστα ότι αυτό είναι και ένδειξη αρετής πρέπει να προβληματίσει. https://t.co/uC2MYjcT1b

Jun 16, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,697 followers View post →
Arti Mohan
@Arti9Mohan · X

When we dehumanize others (shaming them, calling them names, demonizing them), we are often motivated by a desire to morally disengage from our own actions.- The Roles of #Dehumanization and Moral Outrage in Retributive Justice by Brock Bastian,Thomas Denson,Nick Haslam

Jan 21, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,048 followers View post →
Okadigbo Emeka
@EmronLV · X

@malikade247 Yes, brother as always we are all in this Twitter street to learn, unlearn and relearn. However, The Roles of Dehumanization and Moral Outrage in Retributive Justice is an area, Nigeria Judiciary institutions should study further.

Jan 19, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,090 followers View post →
Dr. Adé olú Ò̩ṣádáre
@adeoluorisa · X

RT @EmronLV: @malikade247 Yes, brother as always we are all in this Twitter street to learn, unlearn and relearn. However, The Roles of Deh…

Jan 19, 2022 · 1 share · 9,720 followers View post →
Riwen08
@Riwen08 · X

@ZeRealResist @adrien_asg @ComTorenn En gros le mécanisme clé c'est la suppression de l'empathie (qui est normalement automatique). Ça ne concerne d'ailleurs pas que les sociétés humaines. https://t.co/LxhSwG8oBm https://t.co/3S0N2WRn4n https://t.co/bFrCRzVDkX

Nov 29, 2025 · 97 followers View post →
fort
@ntj_exe · X

u: Denson, Haslam, 2013 https://t.co/JaffOgoaoM

Nov 20, 2025 · 32 followers View post →

All mentions

Riwen08
@Riwen08 · X

@ZeRealResist @adrien_asg @ComTorenn En gros le mécanisme clé c'est la suppression de l'empathie (qui est normalement automatique). Ça ne concerne d'ailleurs pas que les sociétés humaines. https://t.co/LxhSwG8oBm https://t.co/3S0N2WRn4n https://t.co/bFrCRzVDkX

Nov 29, 2025 · 97 followers View post →
fort
@ntj_exe · X

u: Denson, Haslam, 2013 https://t.co/JaffOgoaoM

Nov 20, 2025 · 32 followers View post →
Laris Vrahimis
@LarisVrahimis · X

Η ευκολία με την οποία κάποιοι θεωρούν ότι έχουν το ελεύθερο να αρνούνται την ανθρώπινη υπόσταση άλλων αποκαλώντας τους «υπάνθρωπους» ή «ζώα» θεωρώντας μάλιστα ότι αυτό είναι και ένδειξη αρετής πρέπει να προβληματίσει. https://t.co/uC2MYjcT1b

Jun 16, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,697 followers View post →
Dr. Adé olú Ò̩ṣádáre
@adeoluorisa · X

RT @EmronLV: @malikade247 Yes, brother as always we are all in this Twitter street to learn, unlearn and relearn. However, The Roles of Deh…

Jan 19, 2022 · 1 share · 9,720 followers View post →
Okadigbo Emeka
@EmronLV · X

@malikade247 Yes, brother as always we are all in this Twitter street to learn, unlearn and relearn. However, The Roles of Dehumanization and Moral Outrage in Retributive Justice is an area, Nigeria Judiciary institutions should study further.

Jan 19, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,090 followers View post →
Arti Mohan
@Arti9Mohan · X

When we dehumanize others (shaming them, calling them names, demonizing them), we are often motivated by a desire to morally disengage from our own actions.- The Roles of #Dehumanization and Moral Outrage in Retributive Justice by Brock Bastian,Thomas Denson,Nick Haslam

Jan 21, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,048 followers View post →
Tecavüz Kurbanı Tez | PDF
News

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0061842. Batson, C. D., Duncan, B. D., Ackerman, P., Buckley, T. ve Birch, K. (1981). Is empathic. emotion a source of ...

Dec 27, 2025 View →