Explanation
Relative deprivation refers to the perception that one is unfairly deprived of resources, opportunities, status, or recognition compared to others. Importantly, the concept does not depend on absolute poverty or objective disadvantage but on subjective social comparison.
Individuals may experience frustration, resentment, anger, or humiliation when they believe that others enjoy greater rewards or opportunities despite similar expectations or efforts. These perceptions can contribute to social conflict, political unrest, deviance, or criminal behavior.
In criminology and sociology, relative deprivation has often been used to explain why crime and social unrest may occur even in relatively affluent societies. Feelings of exclusion or blocked advancement may become especially intense in contexts characterized by visible inequality and strong cultural expectations of success.
The concept is frequently linked to:
- strain theory,
- youth delinquency,
- social inequality,
- consumer culture,
- violent protest,
- and theories of social frustration.
Theoretical Reference
Relative deprivation plays an important role in criminology, sociology, political violence research, and social movement theory. It is closely connected to strain theories and theories of inequality and deviance.