Realistic conflict theory

What is RCT?

Prejudice arises when there is competition between two+ groups on getting the same goal

• limited resources = only one. Resources are finite and will lead to inter group competition

• negative interdependence happens when only one group can reach a goal, so is dependent on the other losing

• Zero sum fate occurs when only one can win and other must lose

RCT strength

Sherif Robbers cave study

• In first week, boys brought into Robber’s cave and kept separate

• Second week brought together and immediately wanted to challenge each other

• After competitions began like tug pf war, hostility arised

RCT weakness

Tajfel

• Worked with 14-15y/o boys

• Shown several paintings by two artists and asked which they preferred

• Told by researchers which boys had also chosen which creating in and out groups

• later boys asked to allocate points to other boys which would be exchanged for cash

• More points awarded to boys in same in group

Prejudice not just caused by limited resource, also ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality

Hostility reduction

RCT explains that Hostility can be reduced by introducing superordinate goals (work together to achieve a goal)

• Both groups will then have to share resources to reach goal

• increased cooperation will reduce hostility and prejudice

Hostility reduction supporting

Sherif Robbers Cave study

• wk 3, work together to fix water tank

• (superordinate goal)

• boys became more friendly to each other when asked to complete questionnaire on who they liked the most

• wk 2 = 6% friends in other group

• end wk 3 = 30% friends in other group