Realistic Conflict Theory Flashcards

Study Notes

Realistic Conflict Theory

Realistic Conflict Theory posits that the attitudes and behaviors of in-group members towards out-groups reflect their objective interests.
Absence of conflict leads to harmony, while present conflict results in hostility and antagonism.

Sherif Study

Conducted at Robbers Cave with boys organized into two groups to foster cooperation.
Conflict was introduced by creating an objective conflict of interest between the two groups.

Conflict Reduction Strategies

Appeals such as sermons by Sherif aimed at promoting understanding.
Establishment of superordinate groups encourages collaboration towards common goals.
Contact Hypothesis proposes that intergroup interactions can reduce conflict through equal status and shared objectives.
Conflict reduction models define various approaches to decrease antagonism.

Superordinate Groups

Hostility arises from incompatible goals, but aligning group objectives can reduce prejudice.
Example from Sherif's experiment, where boys collaborated to fix a broken water main, illustrating how shared goals can foster unity or, if unsuccessful, lead to blaming the out-group.

Contact Hypothesis

Formulated by Allport with the idea that contact between conflicting groups can reduce tensions if certain conditions are met, including:
- Equal status among groups
- Common goals to work towards
- Cooperative interactions
- Support from authorities and legal structures
- Development of friendships and personal connections
- Recognition of the importance of resolving conflict, as supported by Pettigrew (1988).

Decategorization Model

Emphasizes the need to lessen the inclination to categorize individuals into in-groups and out-groups.
Advocates for treating individuals as unique, focusing on personal characteristics to reduce prejudice, as illustrated by Miller (1985).

Recategorization Model

Suggests merging separate groups into a larger inclusive group to mitigate bias.
Research by Gardner indicates that larger and more inclusive groups exhibit less bias compared to smaller, segregated groups.

Decreasing Bias

Focuses on enhancing evaluations of former out-group members while diminishing evaluations of former in-group members when individuals are perceived as separate and distinct.

Three Phases of Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)

The process includes:
- Group formation, where groups are established.
- Conflict, where competitive interactions arise.
- Intergroup cooperation, leading to harmonious relations through collaborative efforts.

Description

Test your knowledge on Realistic Conflict Theory with this set of flashcards. Each card provides key terms and definitions, including the Sherif Study, which illustrates group dynamics and conflict. Perfect for students of psychology or social behavior studies.