relative deprivation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Academic, formal, sociological
Quick answer
What does “relative deprivation” mean?
A feeling of disadvantage resulting from comparing one's situation to that of others who are perceived as being better off.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A feeling of disadvantage resulting from comparing one's situation to that of others who are perceived as being better off.
The lack of resources, status, or goods that an individual or group perceives itself to be lacking when measured against a reference group. The concept is central to social psychology and sociology, explaining that satisfaction is not determined by absolute conditions but by perceived disadvantage relative to others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in both varieties. The term was coined by American sociologists but is widely used in British sociology and social policy.
Connotations
Neutral academic connotation in both. In political/media discourse, it may imply a perceived injustice rather than an absolute one.
Frequency
More frequent in academic/social policy contexts than in general discourse. No significant frequency difference between UK and US academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “relative deprivation” in a Sentence
Experience relative deprivationSuffer from relative deprivationA feeling/sense of relative deprivationRelative deprivation among (group)Relative deprivation compared to/with (group)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relative deprivation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The relative deprivation hypothesis was central to their analysis.
- They measured relative deprivation effects across the region.
American English
- A relative deprivation framework guided the study.
- The report highlighted relative deprivation trends in urban areas.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in HR contexts discussing employee morale when comparing pay grades.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, political science, and social policy to explain social unrest, inequality, and motivation.
Everyday
Uncommon. If used, it's in educated discussion of social issues.
Technical
Core concept in social movement theory, studies of inequality, and quality-of-life research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “relative deprivation”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “relative deprivation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relative deprivation”
- Misspelling as 'relitive deprivation.'
- Using it as a synonym for simple jealousy or envy (it's a structured sociological concept).
- Confusing with 'absolute deprivation.'
- Treating it as a personal emotion rather than a social phenomenon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolute deprivation refers to a lack of basic human needs (food, water, shelter). Relative deprivation is a perceived disadvantage based on a comparison to others, regardless of one's absolute standard of living.
It can be experienced by both individuals and groups. An individual can feel deprived relative to peers, and a social class can feel deprived relative to another class.
It is a neutral, descriptive term in social science. However, it describes a negative subjective state (feeling disadvantaged) which can have negative social consequences.
The concept was fully developed by American sociologists Samuel A. Stouffer and later Robert K. Merton in the mid-20th century, though earlier thinkers like Alexis de Tocqueville discussed similar ideas.
A feeling of disadvantage resulting from comparing one's situation to that of others who are perceived as being better off.
Relative deprivation is usually academic, formal, sociological in register.
Relative deprivation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛl.ə.tɪv ˌdɛp.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛl.ə.t̬ɪv ˌdɛp.rəˈveɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "RELATIVE" (compared to others) + "DEPRIVATION" (lack). You feel deprived RELATIVE to what your neighbour has.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL STANDARDS ARE A MEASURING TAPE (against which one's status is measured and found wanting).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario BEST illustrates 'relative deprivation'?