Realistic conflict theory
Realistic conflict theory is a theory within social psychology that ties into discrimination and stereotypes. The theory puts forth the concept that limited resources will lead to conflict between groups and this is a direct reason why discrimination and stereotypes can develop within a society. It was originally investigated by Muzafer Sherif and Carolyn Sherif.
The Robbers Cave Experiment
In 1954, Muzafer and Carolyn Sherif studied the origin of prejudice in social groups in a classic study called the Robbers Cave Experiment. They conducted their research in a 200 acres (0.8 km2) summer camp which was completely surrounded by Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma.
During the study, Sherif posed as a camp janitor. The study team screened a group of 22 twelve-year-old boys with similar backgrounds. They were picked up by two buses carrying 11 boys each. Neither group knew of the other's existence. The boys were assigned to two living areas far enough apart that each group remained ignorant of the other's presence for the first few days. The Sherifs had broken up pre-existing friendships to the extent they could, so that each boy's identification with his new group could happen faster. Asked to choose names for their groups, one chose "The Rattlers", the other "The Eagles." Within two or three days, the two groups spontaneously developed internal social hierarchies.
The experiment was broken into three phases.
- In-group formation, as described above.
- A Friction Phase, which included first contact between groups, sports competitions, etc.
- An Integration Phase (reducing friction).
None of the boys were previously acquainted before the experiment, but hostility between the groups was observed within days of first contact. Phase Two activities proceeded as planned, but soon proved overly successful. Hostility between the groups escalated to the point where the study team concluded the friction-producing activities could not continue safely. Phase Two was terminated and Phase Three commenced.
To lessen friction and promote unity between the Rattlers and Eagles, Sherif devised and introduced tasks that required cooperation between the two groups. These tasks are referred to in the study as superordinate goals. A superordinate goal is a desire, challenge, predicament or peril that both parties in a conflict need to get resolved, and that neither party can resolve alone. Challenges set up by the Sherifs included a water shortage problem, a "broken down" camp truck that needed enough "man" power to be pulled back to camp, and finding a movie to show. These and other necessary collaborations caused hostile behavior to subside. The groups bonded to the point that, by the end of the experiment, the boys unanimously insisted they all ride back home on the same bus.
The Robbers Cave experiment is one of social psychology's most cited studies dealing with differentiation, showing how easily opposing in-groups and group hostilities can form. At the same time, it is one of the best examples of conflict resolution brought about by finding super-ordinate needs that transcend intergroup conflict.
See also
References
- Muzafer Sherif, O. J. Harvey, B. Jack White, William R. Hood, Carolyn W. Sherif (1954/1961) "Intergroup Conflict and Cooperation: The Robbers Cave Experiment"
- Sherif, M. (1966) In common predicament: Social psychology of intergroup conflict and cooperation, Boston: Houghton-Mifflin'
- Akert. R.,& Aronson, E., & Wilson, T. (2005). "Social Psychology". ISBN 0-13-238-2458
- The experiment, the entire experiment, as published.
- Robbers Cave experiment, an essay describing the experiment and camp dynamics.
- Realistic conflict (changingminds.org)