Effect of relative deprivation on the discourse of self-responsibility for the unemployed

Abstract

The concept of relative deprivation refers to the feeling of being unfairly deprived of a deserved outcome compared to others. Previous research suggests that individuals who experience high levels of relative deprivation are more prone to aggression towards those in weaker positions. In this study, we conducted two pre-registered online surveys, a correlational study with 363 participants (Study 1) and an experimental study with 264 participants (Study 2), to examine whether individuals who feel relative deprivation are more inclined to attribute the unemployment status of a third party to personal factors. In Study 1, no significant correlation was found between them. In Study 2, we observed a significant impact of personal relative deprivation on the extent to which the unemployment status was attributed to personal factors. However, the experimental manipulation of relative deprivation did not yield a significant effect. Based on these results, we discuss the relationship between the discourse of self-responsibility for the unemployed and relative deprivation.