Self-Deception Revisited: A Literature Review on Its Social and Structural Dimensions

Abstract

Self-deception is traditionally conceptualized as an individual-level cognitive error, where an individual holds a belief contrary to available evidence. The current study argues for a more nuanced understanding, positioning self-deception as a socially embedded and psychologically motivated phenomenon, profoundly shaped by identity, emotion, and social power. Drawing on integrated philosophical and psychological literature, this study review theoretical foundations showing that self-deception operates through pre-conscious cognitive mechanisms (e.g., motivated reasoning, cognitive dissonance reduction) rather than solely deliberate choice. Critically, we emphasize that the form and function of self-deception are mediated by socio-structural contexts. Cultural norms (e.g., individualism vs. collectivism) and socioeconomic factors (e.g., social class) systematically predict self-deceptive tendencies, such as meritocratic beliefs among the advantaged or failure internalization among the disadvantaged. These patterns reveal how self-deception often reinforces collective illusions and perpetuates inequality. To mitigate these effects, multi-level interventions are proposed, including cognitive strategies like bias training to foster critical thinking, and structural reforms like transparency policies to disrupt collective false beliefs. In summary, this review underscores the growing urgency of investigating the ethical dimensions of self-deception, specifically examining the conditions under which and the extent to which such psychological protection remains justifiable in an era marked by algorithmic manipulation and ideological polarization.