Realistic conflict theory

Question 1

What is the basic idea of RCT?

Answer 1

When 2 groups are competing for the same limited resource, negative beliefs, prejudice and discrimination are likely to occur

Question 2

What is negative interdependence?

Answer 2

The perception that an individual can only achieve the goal if another individual fails it (same goal) - may try to obstruct the other individual from achieving it so they can

Question 3

How do limited resources impact behaviours?

Answer 3

Increases conflict - may be literal (trophy) or metaphorical (status)

Question 4

Example of limited resources:

Answer 4

People in UK may show prejudice towards those from Eastern Europe for ‘taking all their jobs’ when they move to the UK - seen as competition for limited supply of jobs in UK

Question 5

What is a superordinate goal?

Answer 5

A goal that requires both groups to participate to achieve the goal and is mutually beneficial - a way of reducing prejudice between groups

Question 6

Strengths

Answer 6

• Research evidence - Sherif - when 3 superordinate goals were introduced, such as restoring the water supply and paying for a film, there was an increased number of friendships developed between the groups - increases validity of theory
• Usefulness - can be used for opposing gangs that live in the same area - e.g superordinate goal of refurbishing a community centre, which is mutually beneficial - may lower violence between gangs

Question 7

Weakness

Answer 7

Generalisability - Sherif’s experiment was done on boys aged 11-12 meaning testosterone may have explained why they were so hostile- cannot be applied to adult or girl behaviour - validity of theory is decreased