Sherif’s Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 1

Describe Sherifs Realistic Conflict Theory (4 marks)

Answer 1

Sherif suggested that prejudice is a result of competition between groups for a mutually exclusive goal. The conflict can be based on power or the achievement of the limited resource. Prejudice then occurs when intergroup competition leads to intergroup conflict resulting in, in group favouritism and out group hostility. Consequently, in order to reduce prejudice Sherif suggested that a superordinate goal must be established so both groups unite and therefore co operate to achieve the same goal.

Question 2

Evaluate Sherifs Realistic Conflict Theory

Answer 2

Feasibility- Strength
Evidence is obtained via a field experiment- natural setting
1- Friction phase- increased competition–> Increased hostility (fighting, verbal abuse, looting)
2- Integration phase- introduced a superordinate goal—> out group friendships began to form
The results show that competition for a mutually exclusive goal increases aggression and prejudice, while introducing a super ordinate goal reduces prejudice views and increases co operation between groups.
Feasibility is also limited because only males were studied and they could have been impacted by levels of testosterone- could have increased prejudice.

Usefulness- Strength
Society can apply the theory in order to reduce prejudice
For example, European Union was created to introduce a common goal of trade and finance between European countries.
This reduced prejudice between countries so they are more likely to co operate.
Multicultural education- children are brought into contact with children of different ethnicities. Schools use multicultural days to unite the students to co operate in multicultural activities.

Different theory- Weakness
Tajfel Social identity theory
Prejudice is a result of an individuals personal and social identity to a group. Self esteem is the core of social identity as individuals need to feel good about the group they belong to in order to feel good about themselves.
Once social groups have been formed, anyone who does not belong is seen as part of the out group and is considered inferior, whilst the in groups are considered superior. This is where stereotypes and comparison begin to develop into prejudice.

Explanation- Weakness
Realistic Conflict theory does not account for personality
Authoritarian personalities are more likely to be prejudice because they are threatened by minority groups.
People who also have strong moral values are less likely to be prejudice because it challenges their conscience.