Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

What does realistic conflict theory explain?

Answer 1

Explains prejudice by saying that groups are competing for resources.

Question 2

Intergroup conflict

Answer 2

States that when ever there are two or more groups that are seeking the same limited resources, this will lead to conflict, negative stereotypes, beliefs and dicrimination.

Question 3

Superordinate goals

Answer 3

Mutually desirable goals that cannot be obtained without participation of the groups.

Question 4

+supported by sherif robbers cave

Answer 4

Competition for resources increased intergroup conflict (e.g. baseball/ tug of war/ bean collection).
Boys were brought together in order to solve a common goal (superordinate) which reduced conflict and prejudice (e.g. truck getting stuck and water tank)

Question 5

+usefulness

Answer 5

Not only explains what causes prejudice but also how to solve it.

Question 6

-other theories

Answer 6

Boys were hostile towards each other before competition was introduced. Explained better by social identity theory (categorisation)

Question 7

-individual differences

Answer 7

Still dont know why some people are more or less prejudice than others.
Doesnt account for personality type or free will.
E.g. authoritarian personality is more susceptible to group identity over self-esteem.
This makes it deterministic.