Questions and Answers
Who proposed Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)?
Sherif
What does RCT state about prejudice?
RCT states that when there is conflict between groups, there is prejudice.
What supporting evidence does RCT have?
This theory is supported by evidence from a famous study investigating group conflict: The Robbers Cave.
When does conflict occur according to Sherif?
Signup and view all the answers
What application to real life does RCT have?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the weaknesses of RCT as an explanation of prejudice?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the strengths of RCT as an explanation of prejudice?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the theory suggest to reduce prejudice?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Duckitt argue about RCT?
Signup and view all the answers
What increases the likelihood of prejudice?
Signup and view all the answers
Give examples of scarce resources.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) Overview
- RCT was proposed by Sherif, focusing on the dynamics between competing groups.
- Suggests that conflict leads to prejudice, particularly when groups compete for limited resources.
Conflict and Prejudice
- Conflict arises among groups competing for the same resources, resulting in negative stereotyping and discrimination.
- In-group (the group one belongs to) versus out-group (the competing group) dynamics intensify prejudice and hostility.
Supporting Evidence
- Evidence supporting RCT comes from Sherif's Robbers Cave study, which highlighted group conflict in a controlled setting.
Intergroup Conflict
- Sherif argued that intergroup conflict occurs whenever there is competition for limited resources, leading to increased hostility between groups.
Real-Life Applications
- Aronson et al. (1978) applied RCT principles in classrooms, demonstrating that using the jigsaw technique reduced competition and associated conflict.
- Sherif's findings also indicated that reduced competition resulted in lower intergroup conflict.
- RCT provides insight into severe real-life conflicts, such as the Rwandan genocide, stemming from political rivalry and competition between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes.
Weaknesses of RCT
- Correlative evidence does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship; other factors may contribute to prejudice.
- Observations from Sherif's experiments showed hostility developed before competitive events, suggesting that mere group presence may trigger prejudice, a concept supported by Social Identity Theory.
Strengths of RCT
- Ember and Ember (1992) noted that hostility in tribal societies escalates during competition for scarce resources, especially in times of crisis.
- Studies indicate that population expansion and resource scarcity correlate with increased conflict and violence.
- Sherif's Robbers Cave experiment showcased increased hostility due to competition, lending ecological validity to the findings as they reflect real-life summer camp scenarios.
Reducing Prejudice
- RCT suggests that uniting competing groups toward a common goal can minimize prejudice and conflict.
- Establishing superordinate goals, which require cooperation, fosters collaboration among groups to achieve desired outcomes.
Duckitt's Argument
- Duckitt posits that realistic conflict serves as an explanation for prejudice emerging from competition over limited resources, particularly when groups have equal status.
Likelihood of Prejudice
- The likelihood of prejudice escalates in scenarios where resources are finite, termed 'zero-sum' situations, where one group wins at the expense of another.
Examples of Scarce Resources
- Common examples of scarce resources include water, food, jobs, territory, and financial resources.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the key concepts of Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) proposed by Sherif, which examines how competition between groups leads to conflict and prejudice. This quiz delves into the dynamics of in-group and out-group behaviors, as well as real-world applications like the jigsaw technique in educational settings.