Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

Name the three ‘stages’ of RCT.

Answer 1

1. Ingroup/outgroup formation
2. Resource scarcity (competition)
3. Superordinate goal

Question 2

What is negative interdependence? What does it lead to?

Answer 2

When attaining a goal is contingent on the other groups’s loss (limited resources). This leads to intergroup relations deteriorating, increasing ingroup solidarity (against the shared ‘enemy’)

Question 3

How does one resolve outgroup hostility due to competition?

Answer 3

Superordinate, positively-interdependent goals that require mutual cooperation that benefit both groups. This can decrease intergroup conflict.

Question 4

What is ingroup/outgroup formation supported by?

Answer 4

Sherif et al. (1954) – Immediate competiton between the arbitrary groups, leading to hostility.

Question 5

**

What is resource scarcity leading to competiton supported by?

Answer 5

Sherif et al. (1954) – Tournaments with prizes only for winners (e.g. medals, pocket knives) w/o consolation prizes. This increased ingroup favourtism and outgroup hostility because the prizes were negatively interdependent.

Question 6

What is resource scarcity leading to competiton contradicted by?

Answer 6

Tajfel (1970) – Minimal group experiment where existence of in/outgroup (based on choice of painting) caused preferential treatment, prejudice (ingroup favouritism) even if overall, it wouldn’t benefit the group. 15 yo Bristolian boys.
– Suggests intergroup hostility happens regardless of resource scarcity based on soley minimal groups.

Question 7

What is superordinate goal (positive interdependence) to resolve intergroup hostility supported by?

Answer 7

Sherif et al. (1954) – antisocial behaviours decreased and intergroup relations improved when they had to mutually cooperate for both groups’ benefit (e.g. fixing water tank, movie choice, pitching broken tents). Intergroup friendships went from 7% to 30% (6.95% – 29.8%).