Prejudice: Realistic Conflict Theory Sheriff

Question 1

Who made realistic conflict theory and when?

Answer 1

Muzaffer Sheriff 1966.

Question 2

According to Sheriff, what is the key to prejudice?

Answer 2

Competition in any form.

When 2 or more groups are striving for the same goal competition will intensify.

Question 3

define negative interdependence

Answer 3

• Occurs when two groups of people are trying to achieve a goal that is important to both of them but only one group can reach said goal.
• Each group will act to obstruct the opposing group.
• Intergroup interactions will deteriorate and become hostile/antagonistic.
• Interactions with own group will become increasingly cooperative.

Question 4

What does limited resources lead to?

Answer 4

Struggle between the groups:

• may be over scarce material or physical resources but may also be for symbolic resources (such as political power).
• situations involving competition for physical resources often lead to the highest levels of prejudice and discrimination.
• if compromise is possible or if commodity is subjective, levels will be much lower.

Question 5

define superordinate goals

Answer 5

A goal which can only be achieved through intergroup cooperation

Question 6

define positive interdependance

Answer 6

• Occurs in a situation where neither group can achieve its goals unless the other group also reaches theirs.
• Prejudice that has arisen through intergroup conflict can be reduced through groups working together towards a common goal.

Question 7

strength of realistic conflict theory

Answer 7

It is supported by Sheriff et al’s 1961 Robbers Cave study where, in the second stage, researchers created competition through a sporting tournament where only one group could win (prizes). This was negative interdependence and there was an escalation of violence and increased prejudice (very few outgroup boys were viewed as friends).
Competition does lead to intergroup hostility and prejudice.