Relative deprivation

Definition

Relative deprivation is the perception of being disadvantaged in comparison to others, leading individuals or groups to feel that they lack what they believe they deserve. This feeling often arises when people compare their situation to that of others who are better off, creating a sense of injustice and fueling discontent. It plays a crucial role in motivating social movements and collective action as groups mobilize to address perceived inequalities and injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relative deprivation is not just about actual poverty or disadvantage; it’s about how people perceive their situation compared to others.
2. This concept often leads to feelings of frustration and anger, which can be powerful motivators for organizing protests or movements.
3. Relative deprivation can exist even in societies where people are materially well-off if they perceive others as having more privileges or opportunities.
4. Scholars argue that relative deprivation is crucial in understanding why some groups mobilize for change while others do not.
5. The concept is closely linked to social identity theory, where individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by group comparisons.

Review Questions

• How does relative deprivation contribute to the formation and mobilization of social movements?
  • Relative deprivation acts as a catalyst for social movements by creating a sense of injustice among individuals who feel disadvantaged compared to others. When people perceive themselves as lacking what they believe they deserve, it can spark feelings of anger and frustration. This emotional response often leads them to organize collectively to advocate for change, seeking to address the perceived inequalities that have motivated their discontent.
• Discuss the role of grievances in shaping relative deprivation and its impact on collective action.
  • Grievances play a pivotal role in shaping relative deprivation by highlighting specific issues that individuals or groups feel are unjust. These grievances can be based on various factors, such as economic disparities, social injustices, or political exclusion. When these grievances are coupled with a sense of relative deprivation, they strengthen the motivation for collective action, as affected individuals seek to rectify the injustices they perceive in comparison to others.
• Evaluate how political opportunities influence the relationship between relative deprivation and social movements in different contexts.
  • Political opportunities significantly affect how relative deprivation translates into social movements by either facilitating or hindering collective action. In contexts where there are favorable political conditions—such as an open political system or strong alliances with other organizations—groups experiencing relative deprivation are more likely to mobilize effectively. Conversely, in repressive environments where dissent is stifled, even high levels of relative deprivation may not lead to organized movements due to fear or lack of resources. Thus, understanding the interaction between perceived grievances and the political landscape is essential for analyzing why some groups successfully advocate for change while others remain inactive.

Related terms

Social Movements: Organized efforts by groups of people to promote or resist change in society, often driven by shared grievances and a sense of injustice.

Grievance: A perceived wrong or injustice that prompts individuals or groups to take action, often leading to collective mobilization.

Political Opportunities: External factors that influence the likelihood of social movements succeeding, including political context, alliances, and available resources.