realistic conflict theory

Question 1

realistic conflict theory

Answer 1

Realistic conflict theory is an explanation of prejudice which sees competition for limited resources as a key determinant of intergroup relations.
Realistic conflict theory is a situational theory which was proposed by Sherif, developed as an explanation of the Robbers cave study.

Question 2

Intergroup conflict - P1, A01

Answer 2

Intergroup conflict is when prejudice and hostility intensify when two or more groups are striving for the same goal.
Sherif suggested that the key to prejudice is any type of competition.
For example, in competitive sport where two local teams are competing for a spot in a regional finals. Both teams are striving for the same goal of reaching that spot, so there would be an increase in animosity between the players and the fans.

Question 3

Strength of intergroup conflict - P1, A03

Answer 3

One strength of Realistic conflict theory is that it is supported by Sherif’s 1961 study.
Stage 2 of the Robbers Cave study created intergroup competition in a sporting tournament – only one group could win and there were prizes only for the winners.
A situation of negative interdependence developed, during which violence and prejudice increased (very few of the outgroup boys were names as friends). Therefore, this means that the findings that a situation of negative interdependence rose, during which prejudice and violence increased demonstrates that competition does lead to intergroup hostility and prejudice as realistic conflict theory suggests.

Question 4

COUNTER ARGUMENT TO Strength of intergroup conflict - P1, A03

Answer 4

However, this was a field experiment and arguably had good ecological validity.
But, the boys needed serious provocation to trigger any display of prejudice or discrimination (the experimenters secretly raided one group’s cabin to make it appear the other group had attacked them).
Therefore, this means that intergroup competition can be seen to not be the direct cause of the hostility caused.

Question 5

Negative interdependence - P2, A01

Answer 5

Negative interdependence occurs when two groups seek to achieve a goal important to both of them, but only one can reach that goal.
Each group will act to obstruct the other group’s achievement Interactions with members of the opposing group will become antagonistic and hostile, while interactions with members of one’s own group will become increasingly cooperative.
There will also be an increase in solidarity amongst group members.

Question 6

Positive interdependence - P3, A01

Answer 6

Sherif argued that positive interdependence and superordinate goals can reduce prejudice. This is when neither group can reach its goal unless the other group also reaches there’s and both groups are required to cooperate with one another. Introducing two groups together can reduce prejudice and lead to increasingly favourable perceptions of the opposing group and harmonious intergroup interactions.

Question 7

Weakness of realistic conflict theory - P4, A03

Answer 7

One weakness of realistic conflict theory is that competition which is externally imposed is not necessary.
Tajfel’s minimal group experiment showed that prejudice or discrimination can arise from merely perceiving someone as ‘not like me’.
The study showed that boys will treat others differently on the basis of information about group membership alone.
Therefore, this suggests that prejudice may be less about competition and more about our own knowledge of who we are and out self-worth, assessed through comparison with others.