Realistic conflict theory explains that groups have more friction when competing for resources and are more cooperative with unified goals. The Robber’s Cave experiment demonstrated this, as did US immigration waves. Shared goals can eliminate discrimination and promote harmony between groups.
Realistic conflict theory posits that groups tend to have more friction with each other when they are competing for resources and will be more cooperative with one another if they feel supportive or have unified goals. This is a social psychology concept and is thought to partially explain how prejudice develops. The most famous example of this theory was explored in an experiment called Robber’s Cave, conducted by Carolyn and Muzafer Sherif in the 1950s. Since then, other social psychologists have evaluated multiple aspects of this concept and how it affects group interactions in many ways.
There are numerous examples of realistic conflict theory at work in US immigration waves. When a new group of immigrants from a specific ethnic origin arrived in large numbers, group members often encountered deep prejudice because they were seen as competitors for resources such as labour. Over time, this discrimination would die, but could be reignited if one group was deemed to pose an ongoing threat. Japanese immigrants, for example, faced extreme prejudice and internment during World War II, and many people of Arab descent were discriminated against after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.
There are also many historical instances where groups have collaborated together and formed larger bonds. The building of workers’ unions has often brought together immigrants from many groups who had previously been characterized by high-conflict relationships. Political party affiliation has also created shared goals among different groups.
These examples and many others have sparked curiosity about the nature of conflict between groups. To study it more comprehensively, social psychologists Carolyn and Muzafer Sherif designed an experiment called Robber’s Camp with two camps of pre-teen boys. The two groups were previously unaware of each other and have been studied for how they bonded and formed bonds within the group.
After a few days, both camps were briefed on each other and a variety of activities were introduced which were supposed to increase the friction and competition between the two groups. These led to an almost immediate expression of group solidarity and intergroup discrimination. The growing tension was so profound that the second phase had to be stopped after a few days.
The third part of the sheriffs’ realistic conflict theory experiment was to present both groups with shared goals that they could only gain through cooperation. As groups began to work together, shared appreciation and solidarity developed. By the end of the study, strong ties had grown between the two camps.
There have been many other studies since sheriffs that seem to confirm a realistic theory of the conflict. Also, some research has shown that conflict doesn’t have to be real. Perceived competition for resources, whether or not there is real competition, can be enough to cause significant friction between groups.
Realistic conflict theory may explain in part group tension and discrimination. It is also important to recognize that it represents a solution to conflicts between groups. Identifying common goals can begin to eliminate some discrimination and promote greater harmony between groups.
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