Sense of inferiority can come only with comparison and comparison is unavoidable.
Because, that is only way we can know where we stand in terms of any development index.
Here,
Comparison that give rise to sense of inferiority can be with general social parameters or with another individual.
This inferiority feeling as such is positive and act as a measure and also as a motivating factor for upward mobility.
But, one can also develop inferiority complex which is a different thing altogether.
This often happens when comparison is with a particular individual rather than with general social parameters.
And, unlike inferiority feeling, inferiority complex is negative and a demotivating factor at the least.
The simple thumb rule to find whether one has inferiority feeling or inferiority complex is -
If one feels inferior and also feel inspired / motivated by the other's success then what one has inferiority feeling.
Instead, if one feel inferior, jealous, left out and disheartened at the success of another then what one has is inferiority complex.
Anyway,
Inferiority complex is a complex issue as the name suggests.
What is stated above is vastly simplified and is only to highlight the difference.
Psychologists consider inferiority complex as a primary complex with numerous secondary level manifestations.
So, inferiority complex need not be just demotivating but can also lead to other serious psychological problems.
It may affect one's personality in myriad ways.
Internally one may become depressed, anxious, withdrawn and externally one may become aggressive and even anti-social.
So, if one feels inferior, one has to find out whether it is a 'feeling' or 'complex'.
Added to the above thumb rule,
One should also observe one’s own thoughts and the motives.
Obvious indicator of inferiority complex is the presence of ill intention towards the other with whom one makes comparison.
For those who have serious behavior problems because of the complex,
it requires expert psychologist to analyze the root cause and suggest therapy and treatments.
At milder levels, if one is wakeful and become aware of its presence and danger, one can step out of it.
Moreover,
Inferiority complex not only destroys an individual but also causes havoc in the society as well.
Horrible things like random shootouts are outcome of this mental state.
For instance, in recent times, a youth randomly killed many and killed himself leaving a note which said 'Now the world knows who I am'.
Unfortunately inferiority complex is not given due attention as a social problem but treated mostly as an individual problem.
This trend has to change to eliminate this seemingly innocuous but dangerous mental state from the society.
To do that, first one has to clearly distinguish between inferiority feeling and complex because they have opposite effects in an individual and opposite impact on the society.
