This theory was developed by Muzafer Sherif, and American Psychologist who investigated inter-group conflict
Realistic Conflict Theory proposes that conflict between groups isn't based on something irrational but on an actual need for resources.
It rejected the common idea at the time, that groups could share and cooperate.
Realistic Conflict theory states that groups may compete for money, political power, military protection or social status and the severity of their hostility towards each other will depend on the perceived value and shortage of the given resource
It also highlights that the conflict does not need to be real, it can be perceived
It occurs when people believe that an out group can only benefit at their expense
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Intergroup Conflict
People tend to identify with their groups
Groups can be family, friends or any group we feel that we belong to
People also tend to have negative views about some other groups - "outgroups" that they don't belong to
Realistic conflict theory states that whenever there are two or more groups that are seeking the same limited resources, this will lead to conflict, negative stereotypes and beliefs, and discrimination between the groups
The conflict can lead to increasing animosity toward the groups and can cause an ongoing feud to develop.
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More about Realistic Conflict Theory
Sherif (1954) claimed that people are likely to be prejudiced against other groups when resources are scarce so there are higher levels of competition, which then results in prejudice, discrimination and conflicts between groups at times when economic resources were scarce, such as a rise in anti-semitism in Europe in the early decades of the 20th century and many more recent inter-group conflicts
Conflict, negative stereotypes and beliefs and discrimination between groups can be reduced in situations where two or more groups are seeking to obtain some superordinate goals.
Superordinate goals are mutually-desirable goals that cannot be obtained without the participation of two or more groups
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