Realistic Conflict Theory and the Robbers Cave Experiment

Overview

• Researchers: Muzafer Sherif and Carolyn Wood Sherif
• Theory: Realistic Conflict Theory
• Focus: Intergroup conflict, stereotypes, prejudices
• Time Period: 1949-1954
• Significant Experiment: 1954 at Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma

Key Concepts of Realistic Conflict Theory

• Conflict arises between groups when competing for limited resources
• Important implications post-World War II

Experiment Details

• Participants: 22 boys, aged 11-12
  • Background: Middle class, white, Protestant
  • No prior acquaintance
• Stages of the Experiment:
  1. Bonding Stage
     • Groups unaware of each other
     • Activities: Swimming, hiking
     • Formation of group identities: "Eagles" and "Rattlers"
  2. Competition Stage
     • Duration: 4-6 days
     • Competitions: Baseball, tug-of-war, touch football
     • Incentives: Trophy, medals, pocket knives (no consolation prize)
     • Outcomes:
       • Rattlers showcased toughness and aggression
       • Verbal aggression escalated to physical fights
  3. Reducing Friction Stage
     • Negative characterizations of opposing groups
     • Transitioned to joint problem-solving tasks
     • Activities:
       • Movie viewing with pooled money
       • Fixing a water tank issue
       • Collaboratively freeing a stuck food truck

Findings

• Conflict for limited resources leads to prejudice and discrimination
• Negative interactions not resolved by mere coexistence
• Cooperation towards common goals reduced intergroup friction
• Groups shifted from being enemies to allies

Conclusion

• Realistic Conflict Theory demonstrated successfully
• Highlights the necessity of superordinate goals to mitigate intergroup conflict