FREE ESSAY ON REALISTIC GROUP CONFLICT AND PREJUDICE

REALISTIC GROUP CONFLICT AND PREJUDICE

Intergroup Perspectives
Chapter 9: Realistic Group Conflict and Prejudice
Michael Platow (LaTrobe University) and Jackie Hunter (University of Otago)
This chapter will examine the theory of realistic group conflict and the contributions it
has made to understanding prejudice and intergroup behaviour (Campbell, 1965; Sherif,
1966). From this perspective, negative attitudes and prejudice arise when groups compete
for scarce resources and their interests are incompatible (e.g., one group gains and the
other group loses). However, tolerance and fairness prevail in situations in which group
interests are compatible and complementary (e.g., one group gains only with the
assistance of another group). This analysis of prejudice has currency in economics,
sociology and other social science disciplines. The strengths, limitations and variations
on realistic group conflict theory will be discussed and evaluated.
The causes intergroup conflict
The historical antecedents of prejudice are not always the same as the forces that
sustain prejudice in the present.
The removal of the original causes of prejudice is not always enough to eliminate
prejudice.
Realistic Conflict Theory (Sherif):
Groups become prejudiced toward one another because they are in competition for material
resources and/or political power.
Robber's Cave Experiment (Sherif & Sherif, 1954)
Boy's camp at Robber's Cave State Park
Participants: 20 boys, 11-12 years old
None new each other prior to study
Three phases, 1 week each
Phase I
At first groups were separated, no knowledge of each other. Normal camp activities
Ingroup identity creation: each group developed norms, leaders emerged, the Rattlers and
Eagles
Phase II
Groups aware of one another.
At first, no conflict.
Competition introduced.
Prizes: pocket knife, medal, cash
Effect of competition-*Intergroup conflict
Name calling pig, cheater
Saw own group positively We're brave
And outgroup negatively They are sneaky, stinkers
Seizing and burning other team's flag
Cabin raids, stealing jeans.
Losing team stole the prizes
Held noses while passing members of other camp
Caught hiding rocks in their socks.
Increase in preference for ingroup members, negativity within group declined. Intergroup
hostility =* ingroup solidarity
Phase III
Reversing the hostility was ore difficult than creating it.
Noncompetitive contact? Didn't work. Just another opportunity to fight.
Introduction of Superordinate goal: mutually shared goal only achieved through intergroup
cooperation.
Water supply broke. Camp truck broke down. Groups came together to fix them.
Effects of superordinate goal:
Negative stereotypes declined.
Increase in outgroup friendships.
Groups decided to put on entertainment program together.
Groups insisted on riding home together on same bus.
Rattlers used prize money to buy malts for everyone.
*Competition can cause prejudice that extends beyond the actual competition
Bibliography
Intergroup Perspectives
Chapter 9: Realistic Group Conflict and Prejudice
Michael Platow (LaTrobe University) and Jackie Hunter (University of Otago)
This chapter will examine the theory of realistic group conflict and the contributions it
has made to understanding prejudice and intergroup behaviour (Campbell, 1965; Sherif,
1966). From this perspective, negative attitudes and prejudice arise when groups compete
for scarce resources and their interests are incompatible (e.g., one group gains and the
other group loses). However, tolerance and fairness prevail in situations in which group
interests are compatible and complementary (e.g., one group gains only with the
assistance of another group). This analysis of prejudice has currency in economics,
sociology and other social science disciplines. The strengths, limitations and variations
on realistic group conflict theory will be discussed and evaluated.
The causes intergroup conflict
The historical antecedents of prejudice are not always the same as the forces that
sustain prejudice in the present.
The removal of the original causes of prejudice is not always enough to eliminate
prejudice.
Realistic Conflict Theory (Sherif):
Groups become prejudiced toward one another because they are in competition for material
resources and/or political power.
Robber's Cave Experiment (Sherif & Sherif, 1954)
Boy's camp at Robber's Cave State Park
Participants: 20 boys, 11-12 years old
None new each other prior to study
Three phases, 1 week each
Phase I
At first groups were separated, no knowledge of each other. Normal camp activities
Ingroup identity creation: each group developed norms, leaders emerged, the Rattlers and
Eagles
Phase II
Groups aware of one another.
At first, no conflict.
Competition introduced.
Prizes: pocket knife, medal, cash
Effect of competition->Intergroup conflict
Name calling pig, cheater
Saw own group positively We're brave
And outgroup negatively They are sneaky, stinkers
Seizing and burning other team's flag
Cabin raids, stealing jeans.
Losing team stole the prizes
Held noses while passing members of other camp
Caught hiding rocks in their socks.
Increase in preference for ingroup members, negativity within group declined. Intergroup
hostility => ingroup solidarity
Phase III
Reversing the hostility was ore difficult than creating it.
Noncompetitive contact? Didn't work. Just another opportunity to fight.
Introduction of Superordinate goal: mutually shared goal only achieved through intergroup
cooperation.
Water supply broke. Camp truck broke down. Groups came together to fix them.
Effects of superordinate goal:
Negative stereotypes declined.
Increase in outgroup friendships.
Groups decided to put on entertainment program together.
Groups insisted on riding home together on same bus.
Rattlers used prize money to buy malts for everyone.
*Competition can cause prejudice that extends beyond the actual competition