People grow frustrated when they perceive that opportunities to improve their own lives are inaccessible, and the resultant protests can also lead to social unrest. This has shown itself in the wave of demonstrations seen around the world in response to the economic and financial crises and austerity measures, and in the social and political protests in the Middle East and North Africa. The discontent has not necessarily been always related to the absolute level of inequality, but to a combination of rising expectations and limited opportunities.