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Realistic conflict theory - Coggle Diagram
Realistic conflict theory
Basis of the theory
Conflict introduced when two are more groups are fighting over limited resources
Superordinate goals reduce conflict as long as mutually beneficial and cannot be achieved without cooperation
Zero-sum game when one group only wins if the other group they are in conflict with loses out
Evidence
Basis of conflict arising - sherif - boys immediately requested baseball tournemant when finding out about other group - resorted to us and them terminology
Zero-sum game - tajfel boys would decrease their own scores as long as it meant other group got as lowest as possible
Superordinate goals - mere presence wasn't enough in sherif to stop conflict
friendship scoring for intragroups became higher after activities like fixing water tank and movie night
Limitations
Does not account for individual differences
Reasons for conflict may change depending on past experiences
Some may be more averse to conflict if growing up in a conflicting household
Some may be more prone to it for same reason
Like types of personalities like authoritarian personality
Culture differences
Collectivistic cultures more likely to have intragroup conflict not inter
Competing theory
Social identity theory
Includes individual differences by using them to explain why people develop in groups and out groups
Does act in accordance with sherif as well because of us and them language boys resorted to
More holistic because involves cognititions by relating it to self esteem
Different due to explanation of the way conflict arises
Authoritarian personalities may be seperate reason for conflict
Strenghts
Can explain negative prejudices using the theory
Eg can explain why white people may not want children to go to school with black people as they would feel their privelages are threatened
Proved by 1970s questionnaire sent out by Michigan National Election Studies
Applications
Solving real world conflict like in the work place by forcing people to work together for a mutually beneficial end goal eg, a big merger
Also in conflict between countries - EU set up to avoid risks of another war because now all have to work together
Challenging perceptions of limited resources to diminish conflict