Realistic Conflict Theory Flashcards
What did Realistic Conflict Theory propose about prejudice?
That prejudice arises from perceived or actual conflict between groups.
What did RCT says created conflict?
Competition for the same resources.
What is a Negative Interdependence Situation?
When only one of two groups can reach a goal that is important to both groups. This can lead to out-group hostility, in-group favouritism and in-group solidarity.
What may competition between two groups be for in RCT?
Scarce resources : water, food, jobs, territory, financial resources, military resources or social resources.
Also Symbolic resources : political power, prestige and authority.
What is a Zero-Sum Fate?
The idea that if one group gains the the other has to lose out.
What did Sherif believe could reduce inter-group hostility?
Superordinate goals
2 strengths of Realistic Conflict Theory
Sherif et al - found in Robber’s cave that when the two groups were put against each other in competition eg swimming gala it lead to hostility and negative attitudes such as name-calling.
Ember and Ember - studied 26 small-scale societies and found inter-group violence to be much more common as population pressures such as famine elevated.
2 weaknesses of Realistic Conflict Theory
Social Identity Theory says the mere existence of two groups can lead to prejudice whereas Realistic Conflict Theory says there need to be perceived or actual competition. SIT can therefore be used to explain more situation as not all prejudice is due to competition, making it a better theory.
Tyerman and Spencer - examined 4 different scout groups that met at a 2 week camp, they found that competition didn’t inevitably lead to hostility. Ingroup solidarity also decreased, opposing what RCT would predict.
What can Realistic Conflict Theory and Social Identity Theory be applied to?
Rwandan Genocide
Hutus and Tutsis
