Exploring the value of realistic conflict theory and social identity theory for understanding in-group giving in the minimal group paradigm.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Studies that have been done on minimal group interactions predominantly focused on either
on Social Identity theory or Realistic Conflict theory only. This study aimed to establish that
both Realistic Conflict theory and Social Identity theory are complimentary theories, they
both address the aspects which the other does not emphasize. To examine this, the minimal
group study was replicated and expanded using a virtual environment setting to examine the
effect of the nature of incentive on the development in-group favouritism. The study also
compared how the level of in-group giving differs between the two incentive conditions when
the groups are unequal. Additionally, because both realistic Conflict theory and Social
Identity theory are group-orientated theories, the researchers were determined to examine if
the assumptions of Realistic Conflict theory and Social Identity theory can be used to account
for the influence that the nature of incentive have on in-group giving in inter-individual
interaction. Furthermore, the study examined how the presence of the option to self-give
affect patterns of interaction in minimal group context. The results revealed that the level of
in-group favouritism is dependent upon the nature of incentive and that status categories
impact on the level of in-group favouritism in a different manner. Furthermore, the results
showed that there is less in-group favouritism in inter-individual interaction compared to
intergroup relations. In terms of self-giving, the results indicated that participants engaged in
in-group giving more than in self-giving. In summary, the results of this study shows that
both Realistic Conflict theory and Social Identity theory are useful to understand the
emergence of in-group favouritism in minimal group interaction because on one hand Social
Identity theory explains in-group favouritism that occurs when there is no substantial gain for
both parties in interaction whilst Realistic Conflict theory accounts for the increase of ingroup
favouritism when the end result entails a win for one group and a loss for another.
Description
Master of Arts in Psychology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2015.
Keywords
Social groups -- South Africa., Group identity -- South Africa., Social surveys -- South Africa., Social stratification -- South Africa., Theses -- Psychology., Realistic conflict theory., Minimal group paradigm.