Social Topic 7 Flashcards
Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)
- A theory by Sherif (1966) stating that intergroup conflict arises when groups compete for scarce resources.
- Key idea: Conflict is strongest when resources are perceived as zero-sum (one group’s gain = another’s loss).
- Implication: To reduce conflict, groups need shared, cooperative goals.
Robbers Cave Study
- Aim: To test Realistic Conflict Theory in a naturalistic setting.
- Method: 22 boys, split into two groups (Rattlers vs. Eagles), participated in a summer camp experiment.
Three phases: Group formation, conflict, reconciliation. - Key Findings: Competition → Hostility, aggression, in-group bias.
- Superordinate goals → Cooperation, reduced prejudice.
Robbers Cave Study – Phase 1: Group Formation
- Aim: Establish group identity.
- Method: Boys placed in separate groups, unaware of the other.
- Bonding activities (hiking, swimming) built in-group identity.
- Groups named themselves: “Rattlers” & “Eagles”.
- Key Idea: Creating an in-group fosters social identity.
Robbers Cave Study – Phase 2: Intergroup Conflict
- Aim: Induce conflict through competition.
- Method: 5-day tournament (tug-of-war, baseball, etc.).
- Scarce resources (only one team could win prizes).
- Groups engaged in name-calling, aggression, out-group hostility.
- Finding: Intergroup competition fuels conflict.
Robbers Cave Study – Phase 3: Conflict Reduction
- Aim: Reduce hostility.
- Method: Superordinate goals (problems requiring joint effort, e.g., fixing a water shortage).
- Simply increasing contact was ineffective.
- Key Finding: Cooperative tasks, not just contact, reduce conflict.
Minimal Group Paradigm
A method (Tajfel et al., 1971) demonstrating that mere group membership can lead to discrimination.
Minimal Group Paradigm Study Method and Findings
Method:
- Schoolboys assigned to random groups (Klee vs. Kandinsky fans).
- Asked to allocate money to members of either group.
- No prior interaction or real-world connection.
Findings:
- In-group bias formed instantly, even without real competition.
- Out-group members were given fewer rewards.
Social Identity Theory (SIT)
A theory by Tajfel & Turner (1979) explaining how people derive self-esteem from group membership.
Why does Group Favouritism Happen?
- Boosts self-esteem.
- Reinforces group cohesion.
- Leads to prejudice and discrimination.
Norm-Based Theories of Behaviour
- People behave according to social norms (rules of acceptable behaviour within a group).
Key Idea:
- Group norms can encourage prosocial or antisocial behaviour.
- Unlike SIT, norm-based theories focus on learned group behaviour.
SIT Three Key Processes
1) Social Categorisation – Sorting people into groups.
2) Social Identification – Adopting group identity.
3) Social Comparison – Comparing in-group to out-group.
Key Idea: Stronger identification = stronger in-group favouritism.
Social Identity Theory – In-Group Favouritism
The tendency to favour one’s own group over others.
Social Identity Theory vs. Realistic Conflict Theory
Deindividuation Theory
When individuals lose their personal identity in a group and act in ways they normally wouldn’t.
Effects:
- Increased aggression.
- Loss of personal responsibility.
- Stronger group conformity.
Contact Hypothesis (Allport, 1954)
- The idea that intergroup contact can reduce prejudice, if certain conditions are met.
- Four Key Conditions:
1) Equal status between groups.
2) Common goals.
3) Intergroup cooperation.
4) Support from authorities or laws.
Out-Group Homogeneity Effect
The perception that out-group members are “all the same” while in-group members are unique.
Consequences:
- Leads to stereotyping.
- Causes cross-group misunderstandings.
- Can justify prejudice.
Superordinate Goals
Definition: Shared goals that require cooperation between conflicting groups.
