Realistic Conflict Theory Flashcards
What is the source pf prejudice/ discrimination
Competition for resources within groups
What are the in-group/ out-groups competing for?
Limited Resources E.G food, jobs, housing
What will each group try to do when competing with eachother?
They will attempt to deny the resource to members of the out-group, thus ensuring a greater share for their in-group (and therefore themselves)
What is the name of the competition with only one winner?
N/A
How can we reduce prejudice?
By introducing a superordinate goal: getting the competing groups to work together for the same goal that cant be achieved otherwise
How does Sherif support this theory?
The boys became more prejudice during and after competition (baseball/ tug of war). When the boys were brought together in order to solve a common goal (their truck got stuck and water tank broke and both groups of boys had to pull it out and fix tank) this reduced conflict and prejudice.
How is identity theory better than this theory?
Identity theory explains why the boys in Sherif were hostile before competition was introduced because just the formation of a group will result in prejudice
How is identity theory worse than this theory?
Identity theory assumes the only factor of prejudice is group formation whereas RCT believes competition is also a factor
Why does RCT not take individual differences into consideration?
Doesn’t explain why some people are more prejudice than others
(therefore it is deterministic)
Can this explain changes in prejudice over time?
Yes- prejudice between groups may change over time because competition of resources may reduce if resources become less limited e.g Food- if more food is introduced competition may reduce
What can this explain/help us with in the real world?
Can explain Palestine and Israel conflict fighting over land OR football hooliganism - charity matches would help both teams
What is a problem with Sherif’s study which means the theory may not be valid?
Observers were influencing the boys to behave a certain way therefore the results are not valid
