The Effect of Fairness Perception on Relative Deprivation among Young Adults: The Mediating Effect of gender Equality and A Gender Comparison Study

Abstract

This study examines the influence of fairness perception among young adults aged 20 to 30 on their sense of relative deprivation, and investigate whether the mediating role of gender equality in the relationship between perceived fairness and relative deprivation varies according to gender. To fulfill these research objectives, an online survey was administered to a sample of 306 young adults. The findings suggested that while perceived fairness significantly influences relative deprivation across the entire young adult group. Moreover, the group's gender equality was found not to have a statistically significant impact on relative deprivation, indicating it does not serve as a mediator between perceived fairness and relative deprivation. Interestingly, for the male subset, although perceived fairness did not affect relative deprivation, The gender equality of young males mediated the relationship between perceived fairness and relative deprivation. In contrast, within the female subset, while perceived fairness significantly impacted relative deprivation, it did not influence gender equality consciousness. The gender equality of young females does not mediate the relationship between perceived fairness and relative deprivation. In light of these results, The study suggested social welfare strategies to address gender-based polarization within young generations.