ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Relative deprivation thesis

Okay little one, let me explain to you what's the relative Deprivation Thesis is all about. Have you ever felt upset or sad because your friend got a bigger toy or a better snack than you? Well, this theory is somewhat like this. It suggests that people can feel unhappy or frustrated when they see that someone else has something they don't have, even if they have a lot of other things that others don't have.

Here's an example: Imagine you and your friend both took a math test. You scored an A but your friend scored an A+. You may feel disappointed even though you did really well. This is because you're comparing yourself to your friend and feel like you're missing out on something they have. This feeling of unfairness or inequality could lead to frustration, anger, or even protests.

This theory is not just about individuals but can also apply to groups of people. For instance, a community may feel deprived when they see that the government is investing more money in other areas, such as large cities, rather than providing resources for their area. This can lead to social movements or political protests to demand their fair share of resources.

In summary, the relative deprivation thesis is the idea that people compare themselves to others and feel discontented or frustrated when they perceive that they don't have things that others possess, even if they have plenty of other things.