, CMY2602 Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025(747704)
DUE 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
QUESTION 1
Analyse and discuss the relationship between socioeconomic factors and relative
deprivation in South Africa. (15)
South Africa’s social and economic landscape is shaped by deep historical
inequalities and contemporary challenges. The concept of relative deprivation is
central to understanding how socioeconomic disparities translate into perceptions of
inequality, social unrest, and developmental challenges. This discussion analyses
the relationship between socioeconomic factors—such as income inequality,
unemployment, education, and service delivery—and relative deprivation, with a
specific focus on the South African context.
Definition of Key Concepts
1. Socioeconomic factors
o These are conditions that influence an individual’s or group’s social
and economic position, including income, education, employment,
housing, healthcare access, and quality of life (Seekings & Nattrass,
2005).
2. Relative deprivation
o A sociological concept describing the perception that one is worse off
compared to others in a reference group, even if their absolute standard
of living is above subsistence (Runciman, 1966).
o It differs from absolute deprivation (extreme poverty) as it is about
perceived inequality, not only material need.
Semester 2 2025(747704)
DUE 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
QUESTION 1
Analyse and discuss the relationship between socioeconomic factors and relative
deprivation in South Africa. (15)
South Africa’s social and economic landscape is shaped by deep historical
inequalities and contemporary challenges. The concept of relative deprivation is
central to understanding how socioeconomic disparities translate into perceptions of
inequality, social unrest, and developmental challenges. This discussion analyses
the relationship between socioeconomic factors—such as income inequality,
unemployment, education, and service delivery—and relative deprivation, with a
specific focus on the South African context.
Definition of Key Concepts
1. Socioeconomic factors
o These are conditions that influence an individual’s or group’s social
and economic position, including income, education, employment,
housing, healthcare access, and quality of life (Seekings & Nattrass,
2005).
2. Relative deprivation
o A sociological concept describing the perception that one is worse off
compared to others in a reference group, even if their absolute standard
of living is above subsistence (Runciman, 1966).
o It differs from absolute deprivation (extreme poverty) as it is about
perceived inequality, not only material need.
