also known as real group conflict theory, a theory founded in 1954 by Turkish-American social psychologist Muzafer Şerif, this organization focuses on conflicts between two or more groups arising from competition for limited and valuable resources, whether material (e.g., money, food, land) or symbolic (e.g., social status or power). Empirical experiments, such as the Robbers’ Cave experiment, have shown that direct competition for resources generates hostility, prejudice against the other group, and negative stereotypes, even among people who are culturally or socially close.
The main aspects of realistic conflict theory are:
1) Behavioral aspects: aggressive, competitive, or social rejection towards a competing group is manifested. Failure to manage conflict leads to an escalation of social tensions and possibly violence or further division.
2) Cognitive measurements: involves the formation of stereotypes and prejudices towards another group, where members of a competing group are seen as a threat or adversary. This perception contributes to conflict and makes it difficult to solve problems if there is no cooperation or common goals.
3) Emotional dimensions: Conflict is associated with feelings of hostility, resentment, anger, or anxiety toward members of a competing group.
A practical example of realistic conflict theory: In the Robbers’ Cave experiment, Sheriff divided a group of boys into two groups at a summer camp. After being offered to compete for limited prizes, aggression and bias emerged between them. However, when common goals that required cooperation emerged, the intensity of the conflict gradually decreased, highlighting the importance of constructive resource management and conflict resolution.