Feeling Relative Deprivation: The Rocky Road from Comparisons to Actions

Heather Smith, Iain Walker

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookChapterpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this chapter, we build upon the "lessons learned" from relative deprivation (RD) research listed by Pettigrew (2002) to suggest a more complex and useful framework for understanding collective challenges to injustice. We begin with a discussion of social comparisons and argue that we need to investigate the circumstances under which people reframe disadvantageous interpersonal comparisons as disadvantageous intergroup comparisons. Next, we suggest the value in specifying emotional reactions that mediate the relationship between disadvantageous intergroup comparisons and collective action. Finally, we consider why one particular emotional reaction, group-based anger, does not always lead to collective protest. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationImproving Intergroup Relations
Subtitle of host publicationBuilding on the Legacy of Thomas F. Pettigrew
EditorsUlrich Wagner, Linda Tropp, Gillian Finchilescu, Colin Tredoux
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Chapter15
Pages225-243
Number of pages19
ISBN (Print)9781405169721
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Jul 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Feeling Relative Deprivation: The Rocky Road from Comparisons to Actions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this