Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

Explain how intergroup competition causes prejudice

Answer 1

When 2 or more groups are striving for the same goal, prejudice and hostility will intensify.

Question 2

Give an example of how competition is seen in Sherif’s robber experiment

Answer 2

The 2 groups were competing for prizes such as a pen knife

Question 3

What is negative interdependence?

Answer 3

• Occurs in situations when two groups of people are both seeking to achieve a goal that is important for them both, yet only one group can reach the goal
• negative because each group will act to obstruct the other groups achievement
• interdependence because ones group win is contingent upon the other groups loss

Question 4

How does negative interdependence lead to prejudice?

Answer 4

• Inter group relations will deteriorate
• interactions with members of the opposing group will become antagonistic and hostile, and interactions between members of own group will become increasingly cooperative , and an increase in solidarity

Question 5

How does limited resources cause prejudice?

Answer 5

• the struggle between groups may be for limited or physical resources such as food and territory. It may also may be for symbolic resources, such as political power, prestige and authority
• situations involving competition for physical and finite resources often lead to the highest level of prejudice and discrimination, resulting in the fiercest conflicts
• if some level of compromise is possible, levels of prejudice and discrimination is lower

Question 6

What is positive interdependence?

Answer 6

-occurs in situations when neither group can reach its goals unless the other group also reaches theirs

Question 7

What are superordinate goals?

Answer 7

Goals that can only be achieved through inter group cooperation.

Question 8

How does superordinate goals help to reduce prejudice?

Answer 8

-they lead to increasingly favourable perceptions of the opposing group and harmonious inter group cooperation

Question 9

What is a strength of RCF?

Answer 9

• It is supported by Sherif’s Robber Cave study
• sheriff assigned boys who were strangers to groups at a summer camp and introduced competition, leading to conflict. This shows competition can lead to prejudiced and discriminatory behaviours

Question 10

What is a weakness of RCF?

Answer 10

The groups were seen to be hostile towards each other before the introduction of competition. The ratterlers discussed the existence of the other groups frequently, saying ‘they better not be in our swimming hole’ This suggests that simply the mere creation of groups can cause prejudice.