After considering the role of identity in justice concerns, predictions derived from a categorization approach to distributive justice and Tyler et al.’s group value theory of procedural justice were tested. Both approaches stress the role of one’s identity in terms of an inclusive self-category (including everyone potentially affected). In a longitudinal study, set in the context of the German unification process, East Germans (n = 179) were interviewed at two time points at an interval of 1 year. Cross-sectional and cross-lagged panel analyses yielded empirical evidence for the categorization approach. Perceived entitlement was based on the inclusive self-categorization as Germans, and at the second time point, perceived injustice led more to social protest the more strongly respondents categorized themselves as Germans. The predictions of group value theory were not supported. Explanations for the results focus on the role of the wider social context and contextual meanings of inclusive social categories.
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