Reconceptualizing relative deprivation in the context of dramatic social change: the challenge confronting the people of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between Temporal Collective Relative Deprivation and collective well‐being in the context of dramatic social change in Kyrgyzstan. Traditional research has evaluated Temporal Collective Relative Deprivation by comparing a group's present situation to a point in the recent past or future. We argue that a reconceptualization of Temporal Collective Relative Deprivation is needed. We hypothesized, first, that examining several, as opposed to a single, points of comparison will better predict collective well‐being. Secondly, we hypothesized that the points of comparison that will best predict collective well‐being will not necessarily correspond to the most recent past or future. Third, we hypothesized that the overall trajectory of Temporal Collective Relative Deprivation perceived across time will influence the level of collective well‐being. A sample of 565 Kyrgyz participants completed a questionnaire. Hierarchical regressions and group‐based trajectory modeling confirmed our three hypotheses. Theoretical and methodological implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Toward a Psychology of Social Change: A Typology of Social Change

“…These social contexts are consistent with the theoretical stance of a large number of sociologists (e.g., Durkheim, 1893/1967, 1897/1967; Watzlawick et al, 1974; Rocher, 1992; Fukuyama, 1999; Rogers, 2003; May, 2011; Nolan and Lenski, 2011), psychologists (e.g., Katz, 1974; Moghaddam, 2002; Pinquart and Silbereisen, 2004; Goodwin, 2006; de la Sablonnière et al, 2009a) and scientists in the field of organizational behavior (e.g., Golembiewski et al, 1976; Tushman and Romanelli, 1985; Armenakis et al, 1986; Nadler and Tushman, 1995; Thompson and Hunt, 1996). …”

“…DSC has been defined as “profound societal transformations that produce a complete rupture in the equilibrium of social structures because their adaptive capacities are surpassed” (de la Sablonnière et al, 2009a, p. 325). Although this definition is based on previous sociological work (Parsons, 1964; Rocher, 1992), it is adapted here according to the four characteristic of DSC.…”

Facilitating the Development and Integration of Multiple Social Identities

“…Social changes create a rupture in the balance of society (de la Sablonnière, Taylor, Perozzo, & Sadykova, 2009;de la Sablonnière, Tougas, & Lortie-Lussier, 2009;Rocher, 1992) and force individuals to reevaluate their conception of their cultural group. Such a reevaluation process does not come without consequences, rather, it is at the origin of feelings of threat.…”

Surviving the Transformation: Social Quality in Central Asia and the Caucuses

“…Abbott 2007; Abbott and Sapsford 2006;Wallace 2007, 2009a; Burawoy 1997Burawoy , 2000Burawoy , 2001Burawoy et al 2000;Shevchenko 2009;Rose 2009;Wallace and Abbott 2009). However, much less is known about the impact of the transformation on the life-satisfaction of those who have survived in other CIS countries, including the Central Asian Republics and the Caucasus, although the very limited research, mostly looking at the Central Asian Republics, suggests that there has been a negative impact (Abbott 2002;Abbott and Wallace 2009a;Cockerham et al 2004;De la Sablonniere et al 2009;Galip 2009;Kanji 2007;Namazie and Sandfrey 2002;Nazpary 2002;Richardson et al 2008;Wallace and Abbott 2009). An index of well-being for children, developed for 21 CEE and CIS countries (excluding the CEE countries that joined the EU in 2003) and using a range of objective and subjective indicators, suggests that the four countries considered here are below the regional average in this respect, with Kazakhstan being marginally better than the other three countries (Richardson et al 2008).…”