Relative deprivation and prosocial behavior

Evidence from South Korea

Bibliographic Data

ID6011200
AuthorsTae-Yong Pak (0000-0003-2380-7256, Sungkyunkwan University, corresponding author), Patryk Babiarz (0000-0003-2506-381X, University of Georgia)
Year2025
Volume62
Issue2
Pages386-407
Publication date2025-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Social Science Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0362-3319 • E-ISSN: 1873-5355
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03623319.2022.2151794
OpenAlexW4311418716
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited61

Previous research suggests that the emotional consequences of unfavorable social comparisons determine individual attitudes and behaviors. However, few studies assessed the effect of relative deprivation on prosocial behaviors, and any evidence in the Asian context is particularly scarce. In this study, we examined the association between relative deprivation and prosociality among Korean adults. We used two complementary approaches involving experimental manipulation of relative deprivation via an online survey (Study 1) and an econometric analysis of longitudinal data (Study 2). Study 1 showed that exposure to the relative deprivation condition reduced participants’ willingness to donate, volunteer, and accept unwanted public facilities. Study 2 showed that relative disadvantage within the reference group was negatively related to the extensive and intensive margins of donating or volunteering. We conclude that relative disadvantage constitutes a major determinant of prosocial intention and behaviors among Korean adults

Developmental psychology · Disadvantage · Prosocial behavior · Relative deprivation · Social deprivation · Cultural Differences and Values · Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access