Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

What is Realistic Conflict Theory?

Answer 1

When groups come into conflict due to competition for scarce/limited resources

Question 2

Who was RCT developed by?

Answer 2

Sherif

Question 3

Which theory does it oppose?

Answer 3

Social Identity Theory

Question 4

How can prejudice be solved?

Answer 4

By Super-Ordinate goals

Question 5

What are Super-Ordinate goals?

Answer 5

Common goals that can’t obtained without the help of the other group

Question 6

What is a Zero-Sum Game?

Answer 6

If one group wins then the other must lose

Question 7

What is the Contact Hypothesis?

Answer 7

The more contact people have with their out-group, the less prejudice there will be

Question 8

Which evidence may support RCT?

Answer 8

Sherif

Israel vs Palestine

Question 9

Which evidence may oppose RCT?

Answer 9

Sherif - The boys were hostile before they had competition over resources

Question 10

Is RCT useful?

Answer 10

Can explain real life prejudice such as football hooliganism

Can’t explain individual differences and why some are more prejudiced than others

Question 11

Is RCT testable?

Answer 11

Sherif tested it with Robbers Cave

Reductionist - Presumes prejudice is just down to competition