Privilege vs. Entitlement — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Privilege is an unearned advantage based on societal factors, while entitlement is the belief one deserves certain privileges. Both impact behavior and perceptions.
Difference Between Privilege and Entitlement
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Privilege refers to unearned advantages or rights granted to individuals or groups, often based on societal factors like race, gender, or socio-economic status. These advantages are not universally accessible and are typically inherited or granted by the structure of society. For instance, someone might experience privilege because of their wealth, allowing them access to better education and healthcare. On the other hand, entitlement is a psychological state or belief that one inherently deserves privileges or special treatment, regardless of whether those benefits are earned or granted by society. It's more about the individual's perception and expectations towards what they believe they are owed.
While privilege is often invisible to those who have it, due to its normalization within society, entitlement is a conscious expectation or demand for certain rights or advantages. A person with privilege might unknowingly benefit from systemic inequalities, whereas an entitled person actively believes and asserts that they are deserving of special treatment or benefits. This distinction highlights how privilege can exist without a sense of entitlement, and entitlement can exist without actual privilege.
Privilege can manifest in various forms, such as societal, systemic, or institutional advantages that favor certain groups over others. It's structural, not necessarily linked to individual actions or beliefs. In contrast, entitlement is closely tied to individual attitudes and behaviors, reflecting a person's belief in their right to preferential treatment. This mindset can lead to conflict when entitled expectations are not met, despite the individual's actual societal position or privilege level.
The recognition and acknowledgment of one's privilege can lead to a greater understanding of social inequalities and foster empathy towards those who do not share the same advantages. Conversely, entitlement, especially when unacknowledged or unchecked, can exacerbate social divisions and hinder the collective effort to address inequalities. Recognizing privilege can be a step towards more equitable social relations, while managing entitlement requires self-reflection and an understanding of fairness and equality.
Privilege and entitlement intersect in complex ways, influencing individuals' experiences and societal dynamics. While privilege is a systemic and often unearned advantage, entitlement is the belief in deserving special treatment. Understanding the nuances between them is crucial for addressing the root causes of social inequality and fostering a more inclusive society.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Unearned advantages based on societal factors.
Belief that one inherently deserves certain privileges or advantages.
Basis
Social structures and factors (e.g., race, gender, wealth).
Individual beliefs and perceptions.
Visibility
Often invisible to those who have it.
Conscious expectation or demand.
Manifestation
Structural or systemic.
Psychological or behavioral.
Impact on Society
Can perpetuate social inequalities.
Can exacerbate social divisions.
Relationship with Social Inequality
Often unknowingly benefits from systemic inequalities.
Actively asserts deservingness of special treatment.
Role in Social Change
Acknowledgment can lead to empathy and efforts to address inequalities.
Requires self-reflection to manage and align with fairness.
Compare with Definitions
Privilege
An unearned advantage due to societal factors.
His economic privilege gave him access to exclusive education.
Entitlement
Expectation of certain rights or benefits.
She felt entitled to the promotion based on her tenure, not her performance.
Privilege
Benefits received without effort or achievement.
Growing up in a wealthy neighborhood was a privilege that shaped her opportunities.
Entitlement
Demanding special advantages without merit.
His entitlement was evident when he skipped the queue.
Privilege
Immunity granted by society to some members.
She was unaware of her privilege as a native English speaker.
Entitlement
Self-perception of being inherently deserving.
Her entitlement overshadowed her genuine achievements.
Privilege
Special freedom or immunity not enjoyed by all.
Traveling without fear is a privilege not everyone can afford.
Entitlement
Belief in deserving special treatment.
His sense of entitlement made him oblivious to his team's contributions.
Privilege
Systemic favoring of certain groups.
White privilege manifests in various aspects of daily life.
Entitlement
Attitude that one deserves more than others.
Entitlement can lead to conflicts in shared spaces.
Privilege
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
Education is a right, not a privilege
He has been accustomed all his life to wealth and privilege
Entitlement
An entitlement is a provision made in accordance with a legal framework of a society. Typically, entitlements are based on concepts of principle ("rights") which are themselves based in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement.
Privilege
A special advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste.
Entitlement
A government program that guarantees and provides benefits to a particular group
"fights ... to preserve victories won a generation ago, like the Medicaid entitlement for the poor" (Jason DeParle).
Privilege
Protection from being forced to disclose confidential communications in certain relationships, as between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and confessor.
Entitlement
The act or process of entitling.
Privilege
Grant a privilege or privileges to
English inheritance law privileged the eldest son
Entitlement
The state of being entitled.
Privilege
Such an advantage, immunity, or right held as a prerogative of status or rank, and exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others.
Entitlement
The right to have something, whether actual or perceived.
Privilege
The principle of granting and maintaining a special right or immunity
A society based on privilege.
Entitlement
Power, authority to do something.
Privilege
Protection from being sued for libel or slander for making otherwise actionable statements in a context or forum where open and candid expression is deemed desirable for reasons of public policy.
Entitlement
Something that one is entitled to.
Privilege
An option to buy or sell a stock, including put, call, spread, and straddle.
Entitlement
(politics) A legal obligation on a government to make payments to a person, business, or unit of government that meets the criteria set in law, such as social security in the US.
Privilege
To grant a privilege to.
Entitlement
A right granted by law or contract, especially to financial benefits from the government.
Privilege
To free or exempt.
Entitlement
Right granted by law or contract (especially a right to benefits);
Entitlements make up the major part of the federal budget
Privilege
To assign greater importance or priority to
“A Harvard Law grad who taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, he is steeped in a tradition that privileges the Bill of Rights over the crude or arbitrary exercise of power” (Evan Thomas).
Privilege
An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
Privilege
(countable) A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?
Privilege
An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).
Privilege
(uncountable) The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society.
Privilege
A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members.
Privilege
A stock market option.
Privilege
(legal) A common law doctrine that protects certain communications from being used as evidence in court.
Your honor, my client is not required to answer that; her response is protected by attorney-client privilege.
Privilege
(computing) An ability to perform an action on the system that can be selectively granted or denied to users.
Privilege
(archaic) To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize
To privilege representatives from arrest
Privilege
(archaic) To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
Privilege
A peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity not enjoyed by others or by all; special enjoyment of a good, or exemption from an evil or burden; a prerogative; advantage; franchise.
He pleads the legal privilege of a Roman.
The privilege birthright was a double portion.
A people inheriting privileges, franchises, and liberties.
Privilege
See Call, Put, Spread, etc.
Privilege
To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize; as, to privilege representatives from arrest.
To privilege dishonor in thy name.
Privilege
To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
He took this place for sanctuary, And it shall privilege him from your hands.
Privilege
A special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
Privilege
(law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship
Privilege
Bestow a privilege upon
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between privilege and entitlement?
Privilege is an unearned advantage based on societal factors, while entitlement is the belief or feeling that one deserves certain privileges or benefits.
How can recognizing privilege contribute to social change?
Recognizing privilege can lead to greater empathy and understanding, motivating actions to address and correct systemic inequalities.
How does society perpetuate privilege?
Society perpetuates privilege through systemic inequalities, cultural norms, and institutional practices that favor certain groups over others.
How can individuals address their own sense of entitlement?
Addressing entitlement involves self-reflection, understanding the difference between earned rewards and unmerited expectations, and cultivating empathy for others.
What is an example of privilege in society?
An example of privilege is having access to quality education and healthcare simply based on the neighborhood or country one is born into.
Is entitlement always negative?
While entitlement often has negative connotations, the expectation of fairness or deservedness isn't inherently negative unless it disregards equity or is based on unfounded beliefs.
Can privilege be invisible to those who benefit from it?
Yes, privilege is often invisible to those who benefit from it, making it challenging to recognize and address.
Can entitlement be a positive force?
In some contexts, feeling entitled to basic rights and fairness can drive positive change and advocate for equality, as long as it aligns with justice and equity.
Can someone have privilege without feeling entitled?
Yes, individuals can have privileges without feeling entitled to them, often due to a lack of awareness of those privileges.
What role does entitlement play in social dynamics?
Entitlement can affect social dynamics by influencing how individuals interact with each other and expect to be treated, potentially leading to conflict.
Can privilege be earned?
While certain privileges can be obtained (e.g., through wealth accumulation), many forms of privilege are systemic and not a result of individual effort.
Is it possible to reduce societal privilege?
Reducing societal privilege requires systemic changes, including policy reforms and shifts in societal attitudes towards equity and inclusion.
Why is it difficult for some people to recognize their own privilege?
Recognizing privilege can be challenging due to its invisibility to those who have it and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging systemic advantages.
How does entitlement affect relationships?
Entitlement can strain relationships by creating unrealistic expectations and resentment, especially if one party feels they are giving more than they receive.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Rewind vs. Reverse
Next Comparison
Interview vs. InquiryAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
