CMY2602
Assignment 1
Unique No:747704
DUE 2025
,Question 1: Analyse and Discuss the Relationship Between Socioeconomic
Factors and Relative Deprivation in South Africa
Introduction
South Africa continues to face some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with
deep divides in income, education, and living standards. These disparities are not
merely statistical—they are visible in everyday life and shape how people see
themselves in relation to others. This perception of being disadvantaged compared to
others, even when basic needs are met, is known as relative deprivation. It is
influenced and reinforced by various socioeconomic conditions, including high
unemployment, severe income inequality, limited access to quality education, and
inadequate housing. Understanding the interplay between these factors and relative
deprivation is crucial for explaining the roots of social unrest, protest movements, and
certain types of criminal activity in South Africa.
Definition of Key Concepts
Socioeconomic factors refer to the social and economic conditions that determine a
person’s standard of living. These include access to employment, income levels,
education quality, healthcare availability, housing conditions, and essential services.
Relative deprivation describes the feeling of disadvantage or dissatisfaction that arises
when individuals compare themselves to others and conclude that they are worse off. It
focuses on perceived inequality rather than absolute poverty. This means that even
individuals living above the poverty line may still feel deprived if they believe others
enjoy significantly better opportunities and resources.
, Analysis of the Relationship
1. Unemployment as a Driver of Deprivation
South Africa’s unemployment rate, which exceeded 32% in 2024 (Stats SA, 2024), is a
significant contributor to relative deprivation. Unemployment not only limits income but
also impacts a person’s sense of dignity, purpose, and identity. When unemployed
individuals see peers in stable jobs, the contrast often triggers feelings of unfairness,
especially when systemic issues—such as corruption, discrimination, or limited job
creation—are seen as barriers to progress.
2. Income Inequality and Visible Disparities
With a Gini coefficient of 0.63 in 2024, South Africa’s wealth gap remains among the
widest globally. The geographical closeness of affluent neighbourhoods to impoverished
areas makes inequality highly visible. The rise of social media further intensifies this
awareness by showcasing lifestyles far removed from the daily realities of poorer
communities. This constant exposure can deepen resentment and heighten perceptions
of exclusion.
3. Education as a Gatekeeper of Opportunity
Education is often described as the pathway to upward mobility, yet disparities in the
quality of schooling create an uneven playing field. Learners from under-resourced
schools are frequently disadvantaged when competing for tertiary education
opportunities or skilled jobs. This entrenches a cycle where poverty persists across
generations, reinforcing the belief that success is not equally attainable.
4. Housing and Service Delivery Inequalities
Inadequate housing, overcrowding, poor sanitation, unreliable electricity, and
underdeveloped infrastructure contribute to perceptions of neglect and inequality.
Discontent is particularly strong when communities observe neighbouring areas
receiving better services. Such visible contrasts have repeatedly sparked service
delivery protests across the country.
Assignment 1
Unique No:747704
DUE 2025
,Question 1: Analyse and Discuss the Relationship Between Socioeconomic
Factors and Relative Deprivation in South Africa
Introduction
South Africa continues to face some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with
deep divides in income, education, and living standards. These disparities are not
merely statistical—they are visible in everyday life and shape how people see
themselves in relation to others. This perception of being disadvantaged compared to
others, even when basic needs are met, is known as relative deprivation. It is
influenced and reinforced by various socioeconomic conditions, including high
unemployment, severe income inequality, limited access to quality education, and
inadequate housing. Understanding the interplay between these factors and relative
deprivation is crucial for explaining the roots of social unrest, protest movements, and
certain types of criminal activity in South Africa.
Definition of Key Concepts
Socioeconomic factors refer to the social and economic conditions that determine a
person’s standard of living. These include access to employment, income levels,
education quality, healthcare availability, housing conditions, and essential services.
Relative deprivation describes the feeling of disadvantage or dissatisfaction that arises
when individuals compare themselves to others and conclude that they are worse off. It
focuses on perceived inequality rather than absolute poverty. This means that even
individuals living above the poverty line may still feel deprived if they believe others
enjoy significantly better opportunities and resources.
, Analysis of the Relationship
1. Unemployment as a Driver of Deprivation
South Africa’s unemployment rate, which exceeded 32% in 2024 (Stats SA, 2024), is a
significant contributor to relative deprivation. Unemployment not only limits income but
also impacts a person’s sense of dignity, purpose, and identity. When unemployed
individuals see peers in stable jobs, the contrast often triggers feelings of unfairness,
especially when systemic issues—such as corruption, discrimination, or limited job
creation—are seen as barriers to progress.
2. Income Inequality and Visible Disparities
With a Gini coefficient of 0.63 in 2024, South Africa’s wealth gap remains among the
widest globally. The geographical closeness of affluent neighbourhoods to impoverished
areas makes inequality highly visible. The rise of social media further intensifies this
awareness by showcasing lifestyles far removed from the daily realities of poorer
communities. This constant exposure can deepen resentment and heighten perceptions
of exclusion.
3. Education as a Gatekeeper of Opportunity
Education is often described as the pathway to upward mobility, yet disparities in the
quality of schooling create an uneven playing field. Learners from under-resourced
schools are frequently disadvantaged when competing for tertiary education
opportunities or skilled jobs. This entrenches a cycle where poverty persists across
generations, reinforcing the belief that success is not equally attainable.
4. Housing and Service Delivery Inequalities
Inadequate housing, overcrowding, poor sanitation, unreliable electricity, and
underdeveloped infrastructure contribute to perceptions of neglect and inequality.
Discontent is particularly strong when communities observe neighbouring areas
receiving better services. Such visible contrasts have repeatedly sparked service
delivery protests across the country.
