4. Justify an existing social system
Back to History 8 Fifth Mountain Readings
The System Justification Theory is a term that describes any tendency to defend any existing political or social arrangements. In the Fifth Mountain, the rulers of societies tend to use the Gods as a way of justifying their leadership. If the people disobey them, then they say the gods will be angry at them. This mechanism of controlling the people allows for greater control over their communities, as no one dares question the gods.
Example 1: "They all knew the stories of giants who lived in the area, and they remembered some who had challenged the Prohibition only to be claimed by the fire from heaven" (50). The High Priest justifies his power over the people by telling them if they challenge the rules of his leadership, the gods will be mad at them and kill them. This is an example of justifying an existing social system because it shows how the high priest stays in power over the people.
Example 2: "He [The High Priest] approved of having Elijah ask for forgiveness in public; no one else could then count the power of the gods of the Fifth Mountain" (55). Once again, the High Priest utilizes the gods to justify his power. When Elijah asked for forgiveness in public, it solidified the society's belief in the gods, therefore justifying his leadership.
Natasha Faruqui
Sources:
The Fifth Mountain
Image:
https://sites.google.com/site/anicentmesopotamia/phoenicians
