1.1.4 Social identity theory and realistic conflict theory Flashcards
Who created social identity theory
Tajifel and Turner
Who created realistic conflict theory
Sherrif
Give one study done that supports realistic conflict theory
Robbers cave study
What is realistic conflict theory
It says that there will be conflict between groups rather than cooperation due to lack of resources.
Conflict and prejudice can be reduced if the two groups work towards a super ordinate goal
Evaluate realistic conflict
Good credibility-Lots of research done incl robbers cave study
OBJECTIONS - Social identity theory is opposing theory,Bad generalisability on theories done to support realistic conflict theory
APPLICATION - very useful to reduction of prejudice through superordiante goals.Using knowledge from realistic conflict theory we can learn to reduce conflict and prejudice
What is social identity
another theory to explain prejudice.Base on 3 stages.Conflict between groups is based on the need for self-esteem and happens without conflict for resources
What are the three stages of social identity theory
- Social categorisation - Seeing yourself as part of a group (in group)
- Social identification - When you See your self as the in group and as part of the in group. You also adopt group values and attitude
- Social comparison - This is when you see your social identification and group as superior to other groups and that they are the out group. Seeing your group as better then others boost self esteem. This leads to prejudice and discrimination.
What study supports social identity theory
Tajifel et al (1970) minimal group study - 14-15 year old bristol school boys.They boys where then told they were divided into groups by which out of two abstract paintings they proffered when in fact it was random allocation.
The boys were then given a matrix (Matrices called by Tajifel) - the boys would be fair in allocating points if allocating to two in group and two out group members but when doing to ingroup and outgroup member the boys gave ingroup more money
TAJIFEL Concluded-easy to trigger prejudice all he did was make boys think they were in two groups
Evaluate social identity theory
Credibility - Supported by tajifel et als minimal group study,Shows that even without conflict for research groups will conflict
Objections - Minimal group study lacks ecological validity and adolescent boys are naturally competitive
Applications - Can be used to reduce prejudice and discrimination.Encouraging people to be part of a larger social identity can combat outroup discrimination (British people)
