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An Integrative Theory of
Intergroup Conflict
Henri Tajfel
John Turner
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this chapter is to present an outline of
a theory of intergroup conflict and some preliminary
data relating to the theory. First, however, this ap
proach to intergroup behavior and intergroup conflict
34
Chapter 3
relations, but the theory does not focus either upon the
processes underlying the development and mainte
nance of group identity nor upon the possibly au
tonomous effects upon the in-group and intergroup
behavior of these "subjective" aspects of group
membership. It is our contention that the relative ne
glect of these processes in the R.C.T. is responsible
for some inconsistencies between the empirical data
and the theory in its "classical" form. In this sense,
or categories, and not at all affected by the interindividual personal relationships between the people
involved. Here again, it is unlikely that "pure'' forms
of this extreme can be found in "real" social situa
tions. Examples nearing the interpersonal extreme
Other
associated
social
with
and
the
behavioral
continua
interpersonal-intergroup
are
con
35
refer
systems
instead
to
the
individuals'
belief
of other groups.
Hirschman(1970):
or,
36
Chapter 3
another.
general background.
37
38
Chapter 3
INTERGROUP DISCRIMINATION
The initial stimulus for the theorizing presented
39
from the experimenters about the notion of ' 'groups " being
relevant to the subjects' behavior had been sufficient to
determine, powerfully and consistently, a particularform of
intergroup behavior. In turn, if we assume thisand the
assumption is by no means unreasonablewe must also
assume that this particular form of intergroup behavior is
one which is capable of being induced by the experimenters
much more easily than other forms (such as cooperation
another presupposition:
namely,
40
Chapter 3
eral assumptions:
concept.
41
42
Chapter 3
to conflict.
that
the
social-competitive
pattern
of intergroup
bias
social-identity/social-comparison theory.
can
be
systematically
predicted
from
the
difference (M.D.).
43
distinctiveness.
On
the
confirmation
whole,
for
the
these
basic
studies
provide
some
social-identity/social-
in-group.
at
rather
focus upon:
than
an
individualistic
strategy
that may
chapter.
as
a comparative frame
of reference.
44
Chapter 3
esteem was higher among Blacks who made selfcomparisons with other Blacks rather than Whites.
lower-status
enhanced
by
comparing
with
other
3. Social Competition.
groups rather than with those that are better off (see
Runciman, 1966).
between
subordinate
and
dominant
dominant response to
45
-. .:
46
Chapter 3
mains to be tested.
47
types
and all
other
aspects
of the
"irrelevant"
of intergroup competition.
terms
here.
of
the
social-comparison-social-identity-
psychological
variables
of
the
"relational"
and