Discussion Question

Posted by Winnie Melda on October 18th, 2018

Introduction

The analysis is used that when people who have never existed in a relationship are combined and allowed to interact through accomplishing tasks having common goals they develop an organized group architecture with hierarchies and roles. It also reveals that when a particular relatively smaller number of individuals are subjected to harsh environments such as completion and group frustrations they develop divided attitudes as well as adaptive hostile actions to outdo the group. The smaller group members stand stronger, and other members of group embrace them with varying degree.  

Discussion

The study is a good that shows how negative attitudes and behaviors are developed between groups as a result of competition over limited resources. According to demonstration experiment, two groups of same age group and same gender were separated. They had never known each other before and did not know about each other (Fine, 2004).  They were allowed to interact with the other in fist stage. Their differences persisted smoothly. In second stage they were introduced to each other (Sherif, 1956). They started calling each other names immediately. As to verify if the conflict would increase competition between groups were introduced. As a result, conflicts which involved hostile acts, derogation, and aggressive behaviors toward the other groups increased.

The third stage the groups were subjected to conditions that required both groups to work together and cooperate while solving a common problem.  For example, a drinking water problem an impression was created that their drinking water was cut off as a result of to vandalism. Both groups co-operated to solve the problem (Sherif, 1956).

Conclusion

At the end of the stage three, the group’s members worked together on tasks the group. Friendships from the other group members increased. Group division’s prejudice and discrimination were eliminated.

References

Fine, G. A. (2004). Forgotten Classic: The Robbers Cave Experiment. Sociological Forum, 19(4), 663–666.

Sherif, M. (1956). Experiments ingroup conflict.

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