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Whether aware of it or not, we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people. These comparisons show themselves in many forms, depending on each individual’s concept of self. Often, we aren’t even aware that we’re comparing ourselves to others, but these comparisons help shape our personal perspectives, including what roles we play in society, how we value others, and how those same perspectives dictate the value we place on ourselves. The theory of social comparison analyzes three types of social comparison; upwards, downwards, and sideways. All of these comparisons can be acted upon differently depending on particular circumstances, but for the purpose of this paper, I am going to share my own experience with downward social comparison.
It could be said that downward social comparison is essentially viewing your own life circumstances as more fortunate than the life circumstances of others. Although it may seem ironically labelled, this perspective on life has been researched thoroughly and the findings conclude that people who perceive life in this way, have a higher self-regard for themselves. On the contrary, people who view themselves as being less fortunate than others tend to have lower self-esteem.
As a person that has experienced difficulties in childhood and who has always been associated as a member of a lower socioeconomic class, I find this topic particularly interesting. I decided, a long time ago, that I would hold my standards higher than the standards that were set for me at birth and the low standards expected of me by others. I have made it a mission to view the world through a completely different lens and not negatively compare myself as less than others. Actually, quite the opposite; I’ve decided that in order to be a better person, I must see myself as a better person, therefore changing my own self-concept from negative to positive and from worthless to valuable. Socioeconomic class should not dictate self-concept. We are all human beings with hopes, dreams, and ambitions.
References
A., W. T. (1981). Downward comparison principles in social psychology. Psychological Bulletin, 90(2), 245–271.
Carl, J. D. (2013). Think Social Problems. Pearson.
Gibbons, F. X. (1986). Social comparison and depression: Company's effect on misery. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(1), 140–148.
Tesser, A., Millar, M., & Moore, J. (1988). Some affective consequences of social comparison and reflection processes: the pain and pleasure of being close. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(1), 49-61.
