Stouffer et al. (1949) were surprised to find that people in the air force, where there were ample opportunities for promotion, had more complaints about promotion than people in the military police, where promotions were rare. The researchers concluded that this was an example of

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The researchers concluded that this was an example of relative deprivation, where individuals feel deprived not because of their absolute situation, but in comparison to others or their expectations. In this case, air force personnel had more opportunities for promotion, leading to higher expectations and thus more complaints when those expectations were not met.

Stouffer Et Al