Relative deprivation theory

[basophilic]

I understand that this pretty much means that there is a discrepancy between your real conditions and your expecations, which could prompt you to join the appropriate social movement. Isn't this pretty much the same as Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, where there's a discrepancy between your real and ideal selves? Any differences between the two?
The way I see it:
Relative deprivation = Cognitive dissonance
But relative deprivation theory states that we try to fix our discrepancies by joining an external social movement; whereas cognitive dissonance theory states that we fix our discrepancies by internally changing our cognitions causing the dissonance.
Is this valid?

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[mcatjelly]

Mmmm... you're correct about cognitive dissonance, but I'm not sure you have the best conceptual understanding of relative deprivation.

As you stated above, relative deprivation is the discontent felt by those who are deprived of something they believe they are entitled to, and that they see those around them in possession of. This discontent can, in turn, result in social deviance or in the joining of related social movements.

I don't see any significant similarity between relative deprivation and cognitive dissonance. Rather, the former is about a discrepancy between what you have and what you think you deserve (and generally this is referring to tangible items) and is fixed by changing your social behaviors. Cognitive dissonance is--again, as you said--about a discrepancy between who you are and who you want to be (and generally this is referring to personality, behaviors, identity, etc.) and is usually fixed through rationalization, though it can also be remedied through attitude or behavioral changes.

 

[RH8448]

Well put mcatjelly. I think of relative deprivation in the following way. One can be content about his/her way of life; however, when they visit a wealthier part of the city, they being to feel like they don't have a lot. Their reference group changed. Now a gap exists between their reality and their new reference group. Deviant behaviors or social movements can occur. I have to say, this is an interesting one too.