Prejudice - Realistic Conflict Theory: This theory states that limited resources
ID: 1207143 • Letter: P
Question
Prejudice - Realistic Conflict Theory: This theory states that limited resources lead to conflict between groups and result in increased prejudice and discrimination. Reading in Chapter 13 about the experiment carried out at the Boys Camp by Muzafer Sherif, use the Realistic Conflict Theory to explain why the groups fought. In addition, list and discuss the six conditions that the experimenters used to reduce the prejudice and offer your opinion on why you think any or all of these conditions would be effective.
Explanation / Answer
Realistic conflict theory (initialized RCT), also known as realistic group conflict theory is a social psychological model of intergroup conflict.The theory explains how intergroup hostility can arise as a result of conflicting goals and competition over limited resources, and it also offers an explanation for the feelings of prejudice and discrimination toward the outgroup that accompany the intergroup hostility.
The Robbers Cave Experiment by Muzafer Sherif represents one of the most widely known demonstrations of RCT.Sherif's study was conducted over three weeks in a 200-acre summer camp in Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma, focusing on intergroup behavior.In this study, researchers posed as camp personnel, observing 22 eleven- and twelve-year-old boys who had never previously met and had comparable backgrounds.
The experiment was divided into three stages. The first stage being “ingroup formation”, in which upon arrival the boys were split into two approximately equal groups based on similarities. Each group was unaware of the other group's presence. The second stage was the “friction phase”, wherein the groups were entered in competition with one another in various camp games. Valued prizes were awarded to the winners. This caused both groups to develop negative attitudes and behaviors towards the outgroup. The third and final stage was the “integration stage.During this stage, tensions between the groups were reduced through teamwork-driven tasks that required intergroup cooperation.
Sherif made several conclusions based on the three-stage Robbers Cave Experiment.From the study, he determined that because the groups were created to be approximately equal, individual differences are not necessary or responsible for intergroup conflict to occur. As seen in the study when the boys were competing in camp games for valued prizes, Sherif noted that hostile and aggressive attitudes toward an outgroup arise when groups compete for resources that only one group can attain.Sherif also establishes that contact with an outgroup is insufficient, by itself, to reduce negative attitudes.Finally, he concludes that friction between groups can be reduced along with positive intergroup relations maintained, only in the presence of superordinate goals that promotes united, cooperative action.