What does the Hypothesis of Relative Deprivation suggest?

The Hypothesis of Relative Deprivation posits that individuals often gauge their well-being or success not just in absolute terms, but relative to others' achievements or circumstances. When people perceive themselves as deprived compared to others—especially in terms of resources, status, or opportunities—they may experience feelings of discontent, resentment, and a sense of unfairness. This perception of being relatively worse off can lead to increased social tensions, hostility, and ultimately, prejudice against those who are perceived as better off.

In this context, the proposal that prejudice increases when individuals feel deprived aligns well with the hypothesis. When people feel they are lacking in comparison to others, they may scapegoat or harbor negative attitudes towards those who they believe are responsible for their discontent or who occupy a higher social status. This emotional response can manifest as prejudice, as individuals seek to rationalize or express their feelings of inadequacy by developing biases against others.

The incorrect options do not fully capture the essence of the hypothesis. While entitlement and bias can have complex relationships, the core principle of relative deprivation emphasizes the impact of perceived social comparisons on feelings of grievance and prejudice.