Why people Judge others

The world is full of both good and terrible judgments (Pearson 213). Good judgment is positive and constructive criticism that inspires others to do better, whereas bad judgment is intended upon achieving self-ego and discrediting others. Positive judgment is essential in today’s environment since it propels development and growth. Sincere and honest criticism pushes employees to improve in their areas of work, resulting in higher performance. A good comment on a student’s performance, for example, can be used to increase grades. Similarly, positive credit from an employer toward an employee can encourage creativity and increased productivity. Today, exemplary performances at work that are good to majority are often discredited by those who feel they are better in doing the same. This essay focuses on reasons that motivate people to show judgment toward others.

People judge others with the intention of making them improve their performance. Improvement motives are common for teachers and parents and some employers (Pearson 214). A teacher may encourage a student to do better in their class work by writing small notes in their assignment on areas they should put more emphasis. Such judgment is critical, honest and has a positive impact on student performance. Similarly, parents may comment their children for good work or may encourage them to put the focus on improving some weak points in their lives. As a result of this criticism would motivate a child to make quick advancement toward the right direction. Employers may encourage or positively comment their employees for their hard work too. They may also politely note to them the areas that require their effort. Positive criticism from teachers, parents, and employers may lead to progress and growth for all students, children, and employees.

Judgment may also occur due to endowment effect. In this case, the individual would consider others` actions to be morally wrong or incorrect because they do not do it themselves (Apicella 1800). It is normal for the mind to reject actions we do not do. However, when we start acting the same the mind construe such behavior as normal. For example, a person who smokes would often judge smoker’s actions as unacceptable in society. However, if they start smoking they would not see such act as evil as anymore.

Moreover, judgments can take place due to different social status of people (Riordan 162). In this case, the individual would always be in good terms with those in equal status either through priorities, social habits or lifestyles. However, when people differ in social status, they tend to judge others. They may discredit them for their good work and sometimes without proper basis. For example, one would judge others` jobs, work or family because they are not on the same social level as theirs.

Judgment toward others also comes due to the insecurity that others feel about themselves. When one is unhappy with who they are or fails to appreciate themselves, they tend to discredit others (Pearson 216). Such feeling of insecurity and unhappiness makes people want to make others feel bad (Pearson 216). For instance, a lady may make such comments as “she is only beautiful because she uses makeups.” While it may be true that the girl she is referring to is really beautiful and attractive to men. Similarly, a business person may argue that others are only more successful than he/she because they use witchcraft or nepotism even though a person works hard. These two examples demonstrate that failure to appreciate ourselves or having a feeling of insecurity can lead to negative judgment toward others

Moreover, people tend to judge others when they feel scared or intimidated by them (Riordan 162). For example, employees may make fun of their boss just because they are intimidated, or they fear the authority; and in situations when they can not change a lot in a company, bad remarks make them feel better. Likewise, some women would be threatened by a prettier woman and make fun of her just because they feel they cannot reach her level. A feeling of loneliness also motivates judgment (Riordan 162). Many would use judgmental comments as a mechanism to create new bonds with others.

In conclusion, people judge others for a variety of reasons. Judgments can be positive and negative. Whatever motives one should have for judging others it is important to understand that judgment have to impact on oneself and others. A positive opinion is an honest criticism that helps others to become better while negative judgment can lead to a low self-esteem.

Work Cited

Apicella, Coren L., et al. ”Evolutionary origins of the endowment effect: evidence from hunter-gatherers.“ The American economic review 104.6 (2014): 1793-1805.

Pearson, Rebecca, and Michael Young. ”College students’ judgment of others based on described eating pattern.“ American Journal of Health Education 39.4 (2008): 213-220.

Riordan, Cornelius. ”Equal-status interracial contact: A review and revision of the concept.“ International Journal of Intercultural Relations 2.2 (1978): 161-185.