Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

Realistic Conflict theory was proposed by…

Answer 1

… Sherif (1966).

Question 2

What was Sherif’s basic idea?

Answer 2

Conflict between groups causes prejudice

Question 3

Sherif’s theory goes against the idea of…

Answer 3

… the existence of groups leading to prejudice w/o other factors.

Question 4

Sherif believed that there has to be…

Answer 4

… some sort of competition.

Question 5

When 2 or more groups are competing for the same resources…

Answer 5

… conflict will occur.

Question 6

What follows conflict?

Answer 6

Prejudice

Question 7

What 2 things are caused in addition to prejudice?

Answer 7

stereotyping & discrimination

Question 8

What is discrimination?

Answer 8

Behaviour that comes from prejudiced beliefs.

Question 9

How does realistic conflict theory link to social identity theory?

Answer 9

Both theories agree that any groups competing for the same resources will tend to be in-group and out-group.

Question 10

It is thought that realistic conflict arises between 2 groups when…

Answer 10

… they are of equal status.

Question 11

Duckitt (1994) thought that conflict and prejudice arise even if…

Answer 11

… groups are of unequal status.

Question 12

Prejudice can arise in times of…

Answer 12

… scarcity of any resource.

Question 13

Examples of scarce resources?

Answer 13

• food & water
• jobs
• territory
• financial
• military
• social

Question 14

Prejudice is more likely if the resource is…

Answer 14

… finite.

Question 15

An example of a finite resource is…

Answer 15

… territory.

Question 16

Conflict will be less fierce if?

Answer 16

Resources can be shared between parties.

Question 17

What is ethnocentrism?

Answer 17

A focus on one’s in-group and hostility to out-groups.

Question 18

When does ethnocentrism occur?

Answer 18

When feelings in a group intensify and prejudice arises.