Relative deprivation theory

Definition

Relative deprivation theory is a social theory that suggests individuals or groups may feel deprived when they compare their situation to others, leading to feelings of injustice and potentially motivating collective action. This perception of deprivation can arise not only from actual economic or social disparities but also from perceived inequalities in relation to others, often igniting social movements and protests. It’s particularly relevant in contexts where populations experience systemic inequality and a gap between expectations and reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relative deprivation theory gained prominence during the civil rights movements, where marginalized groups mobilized due to perceived inequalities compared to other groups.
2. In the context of the Arab Spring, citizens across various countries felt a sense of relative deprivation stemming from high unemployment rates and lack of political freedom compared to neighboring nations.
3. The theory suggests that as the gap between aspirations and reality widens, individuals are more likely to engage in collective protests and demands for change.
4. Economic factors like inflation and rising living costs significantly contributed to feelings of relative deprivation among the youth during the Arab Spring.
5. Government corruption and lack of accountability intensified perceptions of relative deprivation, fueling widespread discontent and calls for reform.

Review Questions

• How does relative deprivation theory explain the motivations behind the protests seen during the Arab Spring?
  • Relative deprivation theory explains that many protesters felt a profound sense of injustice when comparing their own socio-economic conditions with those of others, especially in neighboring countries. This sense of disparity, fueled by high unemployment rates and rising living costs, motivated collective actions as citizens sought to address what they perceived as unacceptable inequalities. The protests were not just about immediate economic grievances but also about broader demands for political rights and social justice.
• Evaluate the role of economic conditions in shaping feelings of relative deprivation leading up to the Arab Spring.
  • Economic conditions played a crucial role in shaping feelings of relative deprivation in the years leading up to the Arab Spring. Many citizens faced increasing inflation, unemployment, and stagnant wages while witnessing corruption among elites. As people compared their deteriorating economic situations with others who had better opportunities, it fueled frustration and anger. These economic grievances were integral in mobilizing large segments of the population for protests against regimes perceived as failing to provide equitable opportunities.
• Synthesize how relative deprivation theory could be used to analyze post-Arab Spring outcomes and ongoing unrest in the region.
  • Relative deprivation theory can be instrumental in analyzing post-Arab Spring outcomes by highlighting how lingering perceptions of inequality continue to affect political stability in the region. Even after regime changes, many individuals still compare their lives unfavorably against higher standards set by other nations or against promises made by new governments. This persistent sense of relative deprivation can lead to ongoing unrest as citizens demand not only economic improvements but also greater political freedoms, illustrating how deeply ingrained feelings of injustice drive social movements even after initial uprisings have subsided.

Related terms

Social movements: Organized efforts by groups of people to bring about or resist change in society, often arising from perceptions of injustice and inequality.

Frustration-aggression hypothesis: A psychological theory that posits frustration can lead to aggression, especially when individuals feel blocked from achieving their goals due to perceived injustices.

Civic engagement: The participation of individuals in activities aimed at influencing public policy and social change, often driven by feelings of relative deprivation and the desire for equality.