realistic conflict theory

Question 1

what is realistic conflict theory?

Answer 1

• Sherif’s theory of prejudice which is based on the findings from the Robber’s Cave experiment
• it explains prejudice as arising from conflict between groups

Question 2

what is intergroup conflict?

Answer 2

prejudice arising from conflict between groups
eg. intergroup conflict, competition for resources, dominance or land

Question 3

give some specific examples of intergroup conflict

Answer 3

• competition for jobs can cause conflict
• Hitler and the Nazi party used propaganda to blame Jewish people for the poor economy and high unemployment in Germany

Question 4

what is the result of intergroup conflict?

Answer 4

• extreme in-group favouritism
• hostility towards members of the out-group
• when 2 or more groups are striving for the same goal, prejudice will intensify

Question 5

how can intergroup hostility be reduced?

Answer 5

superordinate goals, which is something both groups work on in order to achieve a shared aim.
it reduces hostility and creates greater harmony.
e.g. team building activities such as raft building

Question 6

evidence

Answer 6

• Sherif found that boys would show favouritism for boys in their own group (Rattlers or Eagles) and hostility towards boys outside their group because of competition for a resource eg. points and prizes. this proves there’s some credibility for the theory

Question 7

application

Answer 7

• Hitler and the Nazi party used propaganda to blame Jewish people for the poor economy and high unemployment in Germany
• superordinate goals can be applied to combat prejudice and discrimination in the modern world e.g. small conflicts in schools/businesses

Question 8

strengths

Answer 8

sherif’s study has high validity as it was set up as a 2 week long summer camp with pt’s who were not aware of the aim of the study

Question 9

shortcomings

Answer 9

• this theory can be considered reductionist because it does not take into account individual differences
  e.g. some people are not prejudice and therefore would not respond to the pressures of a resource eg. people with an authoritarian personality are more likely to be prejudice

Question 10

alternative

Answer 10

social identity theory would argue that prejudice occurs as a result of simply being part of a group and then through social comparison prejudice is created

Question 11

what are superordinate goals?

Answer 11

The technique involves bringing conflicting sets of people together and setting a common goal that makes them forget their differences and work towards attaining something that will benefit everyone