Social Problems Practice Test

Relative deprivation is the perception that one is worse off compared to others, which breeds dissatisfaction, injustice, and a sense of grievance. That feeling often motivates people to come together to demand changes, leading to protests and social movements as a way to address perceived inequities. Economic growth, on the other hand, depends on factors like investment, technology, and productivity—not on individuals’ feelings of deprivation. Life chances can be affected by deprivation, but relative deprivation does not automatically increase them; it can even hinder opportunities if it fuels instability. Social harmony is unlikely when people feel deprived; tensions and conflict tend to rise rather than cohesion. So the situation most consistently fueled by relative deprivation is protests and social movements.