Prejudice: Realistic conflict theory Flashcards
What is realistic conflict theory?
A theory that explains how groups can become hostile towards each other when they compete for limited resources
Who introduced realistic conflict theory?
Sherif (1966)
What is intergroup conflict?
A disagreement or confrontation between two or more groups that can be caused by a variety of factors
According to RCT, how does intergroup conflict arise?
Two or more groups competing for limited resources
Give 3 examples of limited resources.
1) Food
2) Money
3) Land
What does RC theory suggest about the reality of conflict?
Conflict can be actual or perceived
Give an example of perceived conflict.
Some people are prejudice against immigrants because they believe “they are coming over here to take our jobs”. Reality is that they don’t apply for the majority of the jobs the British public seek.
Give an example of actual conflict.
Civil war in Germany over competition for land
What does RC theory suggest as a solution to competition causing prejudice?
Superordinate goals
What are superordinate goals?
Mutually desirable goals that cannot be obtained without the participation of two or more groups
Give an example of superordinate goals that have reduced conflict.
Cruel jokes about unemotional Germans and frog-eating French have grown less common since the creation of the EU where British, French and German people work together.
- They have superordinate goals so prejudice has decreased
What is ‘zero-sum fate’?
- situation where only one group can win and gain resources, while the other group loses.
- RC occurs when people believe that that an out-group can only benefit at their expense
