Realistic Conflict Theory-Sherif (prejudice)

Question 1

is realistic conflict theory a grounded theory?
does this make it more or less scientific and why?

Answer 1

yes
more scientific because it gives more factual knowledge

Question 2

what is realistic conflict theory?

Answer 2

an explanation of prejudice which sees competition for limited resources as a key determinant of intergroup relations

Question 3

what are the 4 key components of the rct?

Answer 3

intergroup competition
negative interdependence
limited resources
positive interdependent and super ordinate goals

Question 4

what is intergroup competition?
where do we see this?

Answer 4

prejudice within competitions
when 2 groups are striving for the same goal, prejudice and hostility will intensify

-we often see this in competitive sports as two teams compete against each other for a place in finals. animosity between players and fans is increased.

Question 5

what is negative interdependence?
in what situations does this occur?

Answer 5

each group will obstruct the other groups achievements
one groups win depends on the other groups loss

occurs in situations where two groups of people are both seeking to achieve a goal that is importsnt for both of them but only one group can achieve that goal

Question 6

in negative interdependence how will the members of the opposing group become?

Answer 6

antagonistic and hostile, yet those with the members of one’s own in group will become cooperative increasing solidarity.

Question 7

what are 3 types of limited resources?

Answer 7

scarce materials
physical materials
symbolic materials

Question 8

when do the highest levels of discrimination occur?

Answer 8

when competition is for physical and finite recourses.
if compromise is possible, levels of discrimination are much lower.

Question 9

what is positive independence and superordinate goals?
when does positive independence occur?

Answer 9

each group helps the other groups achievement.
one groups win is contingent upon the other groups win.

positive independence occurs when neither group can reach its goal unless the other group also reaches theirs.

Question 10

how can you reduce prejudice that arises through intergroup conflict?

Answer 10

through groups working cooperatively to accomplish a common goal. The two groups have to be interdependent.

Question 11

define superordinate goals?

Answer 11

goals which can only be achieved through intergroup cooperation.

Question 12

how do superordinate goals reduce prejudice?

Answer 12

they increase favourable perceptions of the opposing group and harmonious intergroup interactions.

Question 13

practice question
identify the 4 key components of RCT in sheriffs robbers cave study

Answer 13

intergroup competition: competitive activities such as baseball and tug of war

negative interdependence: name calling, burning of the flag

limited resources: damage to water supply, broken down car.

positive interdependence and superordinate goals: working together to fix the car to go on the trip.

Question 14

Evidence supporting

Answer 14

Sheriffs robbers cave study
The final stage of the study, where the boys had to cooperate to fix a water supply or pull the camp bus together
Sherif also found a reduction in intergroup conflict as a result of the removal of competition, supporting their idea that superordinate goals reduce prejudice and conflict

Question 15

Application- superordinate goals
Example?

Answer 15

Superordinate goals have a clear application for reducing prejudice and discrimination.
The in group and out group need to work together towards something that is valued by both of them to see each other as one group with a shared goal.

This is how sherif defused prejudice in robbers cave.
(Workers unions are people from diverse groups joined together in a common goal)

Question 16

Contrasting research

Answer 16

Tajfel and turners social identity theory
Claims that prejudice is natural and instinctive and happens immediately, as soon as you categorise yourself as belonging to an ingroup (social categorisation) and notice other people belonging to an outgroup (social comparison).
This prejudice has nothing to do with competition over resources.

Question 17

How useful

Answer 17

Sheriffs own writings savour his experiments indicate that the groups of boys were becoming hostile towards each o0ther even before the introduction of organised competitive events.
Introduction of organised competitive events.
Perhaps the mere presence of another group was sufficient to bring about prejudice as social identity theory suggest