Social Stratification Practice Test

What does relative deprivation theory claim?

People feel poorer or less satisfied when they compare themselves to others who are better off. People feel poorer only when they are objectively poorer. Relative deprivation has no effect on social cohesion or behavior. Relative deprivation increases satisfaction when others improve.

Correct Answer:

People feel poorer or less satisfied when they compare themselves to others who are better off.

Explanation:

Relative deprivation theory says that how deprived you feel depends on how you compare yourself to others, not just on your objective situation. When you see others who are better off, you perceive a gap between your own circumstances and theirs, which can make you feel poorer or less satisfied even if your resources haven’t changed. This upward comparison can fuel discontent, resentment, and changes in behavior or attitudes as people respond to the perceived inequality. The idea isn’t that you must be objectively poor to feel deprived, and it isn’t about people becoming more satisfied when others improve; rather, deprivation arises from the relative gap and the emotions tied to that comparison.

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