C078

Fairness Sensitivity

B10 Attachment & Relational Norms
Core LayerMML-1

Version v1.3.2

Definition

How important it is that rules and distributions are fair by merit, agreement, procedure, or moral norm.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low fairness sensitivity: unfairness is tolerated or ignored; priority is advantage, pragmatics, or force.

High Pole

High sensitivity: unfairness is felt sharply; the person is willing to resist and defend norms even at personal cost.

Reference

Fairness matters, but battles are chosen; not every norm is worth paying for.

Measure

Unfairness threshold at which the person is willing to act (challenge, defend, exit).

Measuring Methods

• Allocation dilemmas → willingness to penalize unfairness at own cost.
• Real cases: when the person stands up for rules.
• Observation: tolerance of “unfair but profitable.”

Empirical Anchor

Fairness sensitivity / justice sensitivity (Schmitt et al., 2010); inequity aversion (Fehr & Schmidt, 1999); ultimatum game behavior.

Notes

Normative term; treat as sensitivity to perceived unfairness, not a moral verdict.
• Distinct from status sensitivity (C023): fairness = honest/unfair; status = hierarchy/respect.
• Risks at MIN: cynicism, corruption, trust erosion.
• Risks at MAX: moralizing rigidity, conflict escalation, self-burnout.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Fairness Sensitivity (HES Passport C078, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C078

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C078, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Fairness Sensitivity}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C078, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C078}} }