1.1.4 realistic conflict theory

Question 1

who was the realistic confict theory proposed by?

Answer 1

sherif

Question 2

what does the realistic conflict theory suggest? (AO1)

Answer 2

Proposes that intergroup conflict arises between two or more groups as they compete over the same limited resources (food, land)

Negative interdependence occurs (each group blocks the other in achieving goal) because only one group can achieve it.

This causes hostile and prejudice behaviour between the groups, but cooperation and solidarity within each group.

Conflict can be overcome with superordinate goals (both groups must work together to achieve a common goal).

Question 3

what are the elements of realistic conflict theory?

Answer 3

• intergroup conflict
• negative interdependence
• superordinate goals

Question 4

intergroup conflict

Answer 4

caused by competition for limited resources (food, land) between two or more groups

Question 5

negative interdependence

Answer 5

• two groups are seeking the same goal but only one can achieve it. it creates a conflict of interest
• one group’s win is contingent on the other groups loss therefore intergroup relations can become hostile while ingroup relations solidify and collaboration leads to solidarity.

Question 6

limited resources

Answer 6

can be
physical
symbolic

Competition for physical and finite resources often lead to the highest level of prejudice

Question 7

superordinate goals and positive interdependence

how can prejudice be reduced?

Answer 7

prejudice arising from intergroup conflcit can be reduced from superordinate goals

superordinate goals can only be achieved through the cooperation of both groups

Question 8

realistic conflict theory ao3 - supporting evidence

Answer 8

P - RCT has supporting evidence

E - Sherif found average no. of friends Rattler’s had in out-group was 6.4% after friction stage when boys were in competition to win tug of war, which then increased to 36.4% after working towards superordinate goals (fixing water pipe) in integration stage.

T - Therefore RCT is a valid theory of prejudice because this shows how competition for finite resources and superordinate goals influences prejudice.

Question 9

realistic conflict theory ao3 - contradicting theory

Answer 9

P - Social identity theory contradicts RCT

E: SIT says that prejudice is built in us and that the only thing you need to cause prejudice is the presence of another group. therefore, competition is not the only factor of prejudice.

T - This reduces the validity of the theory if there is a competing theory for the same behaviour

Question 10

realistic conflict theory ao3 - application

Answer 10

P - RCT has application because it can be used to reduce prejudice.

E - Hostility between local rival football teams could be reduced by teams working towards a superordinate goal, such as raising money for a local charity, which can only be achieved if fans for both teams contribute and will benefit everyone.

T - Thus RCT is useful for society because it offers a practical solution to prejudice.

Question 11

realistic conflict theory ao3 - weakness

Answer 11

P - A weakness of RCT is it doesn’t consider the role of individual differences (personality)

E - Adorno found pps who score highly on the F-scale measuring Authoritarian personality traits (hostility towards out groups seen as inferior, rigid thinking and intolerance to change) are more likely to be prejudice.

T - This lowers the validity of RCT as it provides an individualistic explanation rather than situational