Realistic Conflict Theory

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Realistic Conflict Theory As one of the oldest social psychology theories, the Realistic Conflict Theory deals with the conflict and hostility that is projected to arise between individuals or groups competing over the same limited resources. Therefore, a resource, opportunity, or even goal, becomes harder to obtain, the amount of aggression is projected to increase as well. This theory is not only visible in many everyday situations, but it also established a basis for which discrimination and prejudice can be partly explained. The initial study of this theory was conducted in a three-step experiment. In the 1950’s Muzafer Sherif conducted a study at Robber’s Cave State Park in Oklahoma (Sheriff & Sherif, 1953 p. 5). Baumeister & Bushman (2011) explained, “…22 white, middle class, 11-year old boys were thought they were going on a summer camp experience…Sherif divided the group into two groups of eleven…During the first stage, the two groups had no contact with each other. The boys in each camp became good friends… During the second stage, the boys met each other and competed in contests such as baseball and tug of war… The stakes were high, because the winners took home valuable prizes… The contests produced strong feelings of prejudice toward the other group… In the third stage, researchers tried to reduce the hostility between groups. They soon found that creating hostility was much easier than reducing it” (p. 403-404).” By the end of the program, opposing attitudes began to dwindle, but only after bringing the groups together by using subordinate goals, or a goal that con only be completed with the assistance of others. Because the boys only had a limited number of prizes they could win, and competition for those pri... ... middle of paper ... ...forms of address, weights and measures, signs and symbols. 3rd ed. New York: Penguin Group, 1995. Print. PalmBeachPost.com, using, and you accept the terms of our visitor agreement.. "Hurricanes: Maps, satellite, tracking & hurricane season preparation guide at Storm 2011 | The Palm Beach Post ." West Palm Beach News - Breaking News, Local Headlines & Weather | The Palm Beach Post . N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. . Sherwell, Philip, and Patrick Sawer. "Haiti earthquake: looting and gun-fights break out - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

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