Collective social chances and relative deprivation: How the accessibility of education can change the concept of self

Abstract

This study will analyze the influence of rational micro behavior on unintended macro dynamics and explore how the latter in turn determines one’s relative perception of self. By emphasizing the relativity of this perception, it becomes evident that the ascription of a self-concept is based on how that selfconcept relates to others. Hence, this study will evaluate the concept of self in this sense, arguing that a relative social position can actually determine one’s concept of self. More specifically, the question will be raised as to how one’s position on the socioeconomic ladder can determine one’s conception of self, not by determining how the absolute position on this ladder is conceived, but by whether the individual perceives himself as being deprived relative to others. This process of attaining a position on this ladder has been analyzed by Raymond Boudon (1981). An increase in social chances of individual actors serves as a predictor of a rather irrational outcome, namely, an increase of relative deprivation. After having explained the dynamics of the theories, as well as general effects on anomie and crime, there will be an exploration of the effects of more recent developments in several Western countries that are planning to raise tuition fees for higher education, an action that is expected to yield a lower deprivation rate. To determine whether the theoretical predictions made are valid, the article will conclude with a debate on some of the assumptions.