Concepts- Deprivation | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

What is Deprivation?

What is Deprivation?

• Deprivation refers to a situation where people lack essential resources needed for their well-being and development.
• It encompasses not just economic hardships like poverty, but also emotional and social supports considered fundamental to human life.

Examples of Basic Essentials

• Income: Having a sufficient income is crucial for meeting various needs such as food, shelter, and education.
• Housing: Safe and stable housing is a fundamental requirement for individuals and families.
• Parental Care: For children, proper care and support from parents or guardians are vital for their development and well-being.

How it is different from Poverty?

• Basic human needs such as income, care, shelter, and security are fundamental for a comfortable and fulfilling life. When these needs are met satisfactorily, they contribute significantly to the overall development of an individual's potential.
• Poverty is often discussed in economic terms on a global scale. However, deprivation is a broader concept that encompasses not just economic factors but also social, cultural, and symbolic aspects. According to sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, deprivation involves a lack of adequate social, cultural, symbolic, and economic capital.
• Deprivation differ from poverty in that it refers to a lack of resources, while exclusion pertains to being cut off from social participation. It is possible to experience deprivation even in relatively good economic conditions. For instance, people in war-torn regions like parts of West Asia and Africa face multiple deprivations such as lack of access to health care, education, sanitation, and housing due to the absence of a stable political environment.
• Cultural norms can also lead to deprivation. In some Islamic countries and orthodox patriarchal societies, women are denied education and participation in social activities. In countries like India, rigid social stratification based on caste can result in multiple deprivations for those in lower strata. Similarly, racism and ethnocentric practices, as seen in South Africa, can deprive certain segments of the population from basic amenities. Therefore, deprivation can stem from structural factors as well.
• In summary, while poverty is a significant issue, deprivation is a more comprehensive concept that encompasses a range of factors affecting an individual's quality of life and access to resources.

Absolute Deprivation and Relative Deprivation

• Absolute Deprivation refers to the severe lack of basic life necessities such as food,water,shelter, and fuel. It signifies the complete absence or loss of the essential means required to meet the fundamental needs for survival—specifically food,clothing, and shelter.
• Relative Deprivation, on the other hand, pertains to the sense of deprivation individuals feel when they compare their situation to that of others. In this context, individuals who lack certain resources or opportunities evaluate their circumstances against those who possess them, leading to a feeling of deprivation. Unlike absolute deprivation, relative deprivation is not solely about the objective lack of resources; it is also shaped by subjective perceptions and comparisons.

The concept of relative deprivation is closely associated with the idea of a "reference group." A reference group is the group with which individuals or groups compare themselves when assessing their own circumstances. This comparison can evoke feelings of inadequacy or deprivation, even if the individuals in question are not experiencing absolute poverty or lack.

Understanding the Usefulness of Relative Deprivation

• Relative deprivation is a concept that helps us understand how people perceive their own situation in relation to others. It's not about what people have in absolute terms, but how they feel compared to those who are better off. For instance, a millionaire might feel deprived when surrounded by billionaires.
• This idea is particularly important in the study of social movements and revolutions. Researchers argue that when people feel relatively deprived—comparing themselves to others who are better off—they are more likely to push for change. It's this sense of relative disadvantage that can spark social action.
• Social stratification, the division of society into different levels of wealth and status, is a fundamental aspect of all societies. It's both historical, as seen in ancient and modern societies, and universal, present in both simple and complex societies. This differentiation based on high and low status is a shared legacy.
• Over time, societies have accepted various criteria for these divisions, including sex, age, status, role, qualifications, inefficiencies, life chances, and political ascriptions. These divisions can also be based on considerations of superiority and inferiority, authority and subordination, profession, and vocation. The nature of social strata and layers is varied and complex, reflecting the diverse factors that contribute to social differentiation.