Realistic conflict theory is a social psychological model of inter-group conflict. The theory explains that inter-group conflict can arise due to the competition among groups over the scarce resources and conflicting goals. Moreover, it also defines how the feeling of prejudice and discrimination can arise among groups towards one another. The inter-group conflict could result from competition over real or perceived scarce resources these include, money, political power, social status, military or police protection etc… though, the feeling of hostility and resentment arise among groups when only one group could be the winner of competition. The severity of inter-group conflict could be measured based on the value and limitedness or shortage of resources. Realistic conflict theory also suggest the remedy to prevent inter-group conflict along with feeling of prejudice and discrimination among groups towards one another.
Donald T. Campbell Realistic Conflict Theory
This social psychology model of inter-group conflict was officially named by Donald T. Campbell though, articulated by other social psychology theorists since mid-twentieth century. This theory came into being due to Donald T. Campbell criticism on social exchange theorists who correlate human behavior merely with sex, food and pain avoidance. He argued that humanistic assumptions do not explain human behavior and inter-group relations adequately. Furthermore, social exchange theorists just oversimplify human behavior by linking interpersonal interactions with animal behavior.
Muzafer Sherif Robber’s Cave State Park Field Study
Muzafer Sherif was among one of the researcher who articulated realistic conflict theory in mid twentieth century. He tested this theory via several field experiments at American summer camps. In 1954, Muzafer Sherif conducted a field study in robber’s cave state park. The purpose of the field experiment was to analyze inter-group competition and cooperation. The subjects of the study was two groups of 11 years old boys. These boys did not know each other and came from different areas. They were randomly assigned into each group.
Initially both groups were kept separately, one group did not know that another group is also in the park. In the first week members of each group bonded with one another while they were hiking, swimming and playing. They bonded so much that they gave their groups names Eagles and Rattlers. After one week both groups were told about the presence of other group in the park. Additionally they were also told that they are going to meet this other group and compete with them in different contests such as football, baseball etc… the tournament was based on a point system and whichever team wins will get a trophy and other prizes which are valued by kids such as, pocket knives. Though, members from the winner group will only receive the prizes and losers will get nothing. So, there were two cohesive groups both were very eager to win the competition. When the competition begin researcher observed that both groups got very hostile towards one another. Boys of one group fought with the boys of other group. They vandalized camps each other camps and burned flags. In short, they started hating each other. However, the competition sow the seed of hostility in both groups towards one another. The researcher concluded that the competition for limited resources create inter-group conflict.
Moreover, the group were separated for few weeks to cool off before the second phase of study. The second phase was about restoring relationship and peace among hostile groups. Researcher tried different methods to restore peace among groups. Firstly, each group members were told about the positive traits of other group members. This method failed to achieve the objective of restoring peace among groups. Secondly, both group were put together for fun activities such as, they saw fireworks together, played games and watched movies. Despite participating in all these fun activities together they failed to bond because they did not like and interact with one another. Either methods did not work to restore the relationship among groups. At last researcher tried third method called superordinate goals. Superordinate goals refer to the mutual goals that can be attained with cooperation. The researcher team rigged the water system which was only source of drinking water for all the boys in camp. When the boys came from the hike they were very thirsty but the water system was broke. In order quench their thirst all the boys had to work together to fix the water system. Ultimately, this mutual goal bring the boys of both groups together and made them friendly towards one another. Moreover, another superordinate goal was also set up for both groups. The groups were told that the movie they wanted see was supposed to be delivered in the truck but the truck was bogged down and both groups had to pull it out. Rope was tied to a truck boys of both groups worked together to achieve this goal.
Key Findings of Muzafer Sherif Field Experiment
- The feeling of latent ethnocentrism arose among each group even before they met and competed.
- The competition among groups for limited resources or reward (competition in which only one group is winner and other is loser) create inter-group conflict.
- The inter-group conflict resulted from competition gave birth to prejudice, discrimination and ethnocentrism.
- The winner group had low degree of frustration whereas, loser group had high level of frustration.
- Simple contact between groups failed to repair their relationship.
- Superordinate goals compelled the groups to cooperate with one another and developed friendly relationship among them.
Muzafer Sherif Realistic Conflict Theory
Muzafer Sherif explanation of inter-group relationship was based on nature of goals. He believed that the relationship among groups or individuals depend on the nature of goals. If individuals or groups have shared goals which require mutual cooperation for attainment; it will develop friendly relationship among groups and individuals. Whereas, if the goals are mutually exclusive for which groups have to compete with one another; it will create conflict and hostile relationship among groups. Moreover, shared goals or subordinate goals prevent inter-group hostility and conflict. on the other hand, exclusive goals create ethnocentrism and conflict between groups.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi
