relative deprivation

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. the perception of an unfair disparity between one's situation and that of others.

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Etymology

Origin of relative deprivation

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Despite all that Adam Smith did to explicate the contributions of well-functioning markets, he was also deeply concerned about the incidence of poverty, illiteracy, relative deprivation that might remain despite a well-functioning market economy.

From New York Times

It’s no longer about saving 50% to 70% of your income for decades, living in relative deprivation to stop working at 40, she said.

From Barron's

Rather, they are trying to escape what some call "relative deprivation".

From BBC

Each IMD is the nation's official measure of relative deprivation, or poverty, and is weighted heavily towards income, employment, education, and health.

From BBC

But because it appeared everyone on television and in magazines was doing so well, relative deprivation — feeling the need to “keep up with the Joneses” — replaced common sense.

From Seattle Times