Relative deprivation and economic welfare

Abstract It is shown that the theory of relative deprivation can be decomposed into two concepts: deprivation and its relativity. Deprivation is interpreted as forgone utility due to lack of commodities, thus minimizing deprivation and maximizing utility come to much the same thing. The relativity of the concept stems from the existence of reference groups in the society. The core of the paper deals with the effect of reference groups on the deprivation felt in the society.

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