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Relative Deprivation Theory
Explanations > Theories > Relative Deprivation Theory
Description | Research | Example | So What? | See also | References
Description
We tend to decide how well-off or deprived we are not from any absolute standard or how hungry are, but by comparing ourselves with other people.
In particular, we decide on what we deserve and what we should expect from looking at other people. We then compare ourselves with this standard.
Research
Vanneman and Pettigrew (1972) asked white Americans how well off they were when compared with other whites and also with black Americans. Those who felt not well off when compared with other whites were more prejudiced against the black people.
Example
Even rich people can feel poor as the even richer parade in front of them.
So what?
Using it
Build up expectations of the other person, perhaps by showing what you have got. They will get to feel deprived. Then show them the way to alleviate that deprivation.
Defending
When you feel deprived, consider how you got that way. When you are drowning, beware of people who offer you straws to clutch.
See also
http://gaius.cbpp.uaa.alaska.edu/afflj/SN%20RELATIVE%20DEPRIVATION.html
References
Vanneman and Pettigrew (1972), Gurr (1970), Walker and Pettigrew (1984)
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