Word(s) of the Day: Relevant Deprivation

Relevant Deprivation Theory from ChangingMinds.org:

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 Perceptual Contrast Effect--this further explains the phenomenon.

References: Vanneman and Pettigrew (1972), Gurr (1970), Walker and Pettigrew (1984)

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I managed to alleviate my own (economic) suffering, and now I try to alleviate other's suffering with my frugality and tax tips. Now I understand what's going on around here with the "bling", the throwing away of perfectly good stuff, and the constant buying of brand-new things and drive-thru convenience food--I knew it was a psychological problem of some sort (ala Bill Cosby and decadence), but I never knew it already had a name. Now we all know, including Bill Cosby.