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Smith, H.J. and Huo, Y.J. (2014). Relative Deprivation: How Subjective Experiences of Inequality Influence Social Behavior and Health. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences. 1 (1): 231–238.

Learning Objective: LO 7-3: Describe dimensions of socioeconomic inequality in the United States.

Summary: This article looks at the impact of subjective comparisons of inequality on emotional, mental, and physical well-being among people experiencing inequality. Intervention possibilities are assessed for ameliorating these negative health conditions with considerations of individual- verses group-oriented issues.

Questions to Consider:

1. How do the researchers define relative deprivation (RD)? According the authors, why is the concept of relative deprivation useful in assessing health outcomes?
2. What are the differences between demographic verses subjective measures of deprivation?
3. The researchers suggest that merely relocating people from a low-income into a high-income neighborhood may result in unforeseen or unanticipated psychological costs. What are some of the negative relative deprivation effects?