Socialš ā¢ Realistic Conflict Theory + Studies Flashcards
What is Realistic Conflict Theory?
An explanation of prejduice; it states that competition for limited resources is a key catalyst for intergroup hostilites e.g. discrimination/ prejudice
What are the 3 key aspects to this theory?
- Competition between groups over limited resources
- Superordinate goals
- Ingroup/ Outgroup formation + Interdependence
Who created this theory & why did they create it?
Proposed by Sherif in efforts to explain his famous āRobberās caveā study (1954)
What does the theory propose when groups compete for limited resources?
Intergroup hostility, animosity and conflict will arise between groups which can lead to prejudice/ discrimination
What is discrimination?
The unfair treatment of people based on their perceived characteristics/ steryotpical attributes
What is prejudice?
A negative attitude or feeling towards a person or group based on their perceived characteristics/ steryotpical attributes
List the 7 main types of prejudice
- Sexism
- Racism
- Xenophobia
- Transphobia
- Homophobia
- Abelism
- Fatphobia.
What is intergroup competiton?
When 2 groups are competing with eachother for a goal
What did Sherif propose is the key to any type of prejudice?
Competiton in any form
Sherif inferred that: When two or more groups are striving for the same goal ____________ and ____________ will intensify.
When two or more groups are striving for the same goal prejudice and hostility will intensify.
What is negative interdependence?
When two groups are seeking the same goal that is important for both of them, yet only one group can reach the goal
What is the ānegativeā aspect to negative interdependence?
The ānegativeā label refers to how each group will act to obstruct eachothers achivement, its a competition, only one group will win
What is the āindependantā aspect to negative interdependence?
The āindependentā label refers to how one groups win is contingent on the other goups loss
In situations of negative interdependence, intergroup relations will ____________
In situations of negative interdependence, intergroup relations with deteriorate
During an activity that induces negative interdependence, how would interactions between a persons ingroup and their opposing outgroup look like?
- Ingroup relations: Will become increasingly more cooperative
- Outgroup relations: Will become increasingly antagonistic and hostile
What is positive interdependence?
When neither groups can reach their goal unless the other group reaches theirs, when groups work cooperatively to reach the same goal
How does Sherif propose that prejudice that has risen due to intergroup conflicts can be reduced (+ the key aspect to this solutions sucess)?
Through groups working together, cooperativley to reach a common goal (superordinates) - the key feature in the sucess of this is that both groups must be interdependent
What is interdependence?
The dependence of two or more people/groups or things on each other e.g. completing a common goal
What are superordinate goals?
A goal that can only be achieved through intergroup cooperation e.g. positive interdependence - the key with this is that the goal cannot be compelted unless both groups contributed together
What is an ingroup?
A group to whom you, as a person, belong, and anyone else who is perceived as belonging to that group
What is an outgroup?
An outside group from your own that commonly is viewed negatively in comparison to your own
What is intergroup hostility?
Conflicts between two groups of people
RCT Suggests that: Competition over ________ ________ can drive ________ hostility, but ________ efforts towards shared objectives that help to ________ this conflict
Competition over limited resources can drive intergroup hostility, but collaberative efforts towards shared objectives that help to mitigate this conflict
What often is the response in conflict to fighting over physical & finite resources?
Competition over these resources often lead to the highest levels of prejudice and discrimination & can result in the fiercest of conflict
What can the simple act of group distinction lead to?
Negative steryotyping (prejudice) and increased animosity
What is the main (only study really required) for an explanation for Realistic Conflict Theory?
Robberās Cave Study (1954)
