Puritanical bias refers to the tendency to attribute the cause of undesirable outcomes or wrongdoing by an individual to a moral deficiency or lack of self-control rather than considering the impact of broader societal determinants. This bias can lead to misinterpretation of individuals' circumstances, viewing them only through a lens of perceived personal failings.
An example of puritanical bias is when people say, "These individuals are just lazy and prefer to live on welfare instead of seeking employment!" This ignores the systemic barriers and economic conditions that may affect their ability to find jobs.
To overcome puritanical bias, one can adopt a more empathetic perspective by considering the broader social, economic, and situational factors that may influence individuals' behavior and choices.