The Robbers Cave Experiment: Understanding Tribal Conflict

The Robbers Cave experiment, conducted in 1954, involved boys unknowingly participating in a study on group conflict. The experiment unfolded in three stages: in-group formation, friction, and conflict resolution. Initially, the boys formed groups and identities, leading to competition and prejudice. Conflict was resolved through cooperation on a shared goal. The study revealed that tribal conflicts arise from competition for limited resources, and cooperation can reduce friction. The experiment led to the development of the realistic conflict theory, explaining hostility due to perceived resource scarcity.

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