What is the concept of relative deprivation primarily associated with?

The concept of relative deprivation is primarily related to the feelings of anger and resentment that individuals experience when they perceive that they are unfairly disadvantaged compared to others. This idea stems from the comparison of one’s own situation to that of others, leading to a sense of deprivation if one believes they are lacking in some social, economic, or political resources relative to their peers or reference groups.

When people perceive themselves as worse off in comparison to others – especially if those others have recently achieved a status or resource level that they themselves desire – it can result in feelings of injustice, dissatisfaction, and even motivate collective action or social movements. This concept is significant in sociology as it helps explain various social phenomena, including class conflict, social movements, and individual discontent within a society.