Showing papers on "Realistic conflict theory published in 1996"

Discourses on Violence: Conflict Analysis Reconsidered

Abstract: Conflict and peace studies - setting the parameters theoretical and methodological questions in conflict studies mobilization and the emergence of conflict heterogeneity, power, the discursive mode and conflict roles, institutions and modes of conflict behaviour decision-making, conflict termination and negotiation mediation types and the challenge of track II diplomacy a critical evaluation of the field - towards post-modernist conflict studies.

Stereotypes and Prejudice Their Overt and Subtle Influence in the Classroom

Abstract: The authors examine overt and subtle forms of stereotyping and prejudice. Two theories that explain overt prejudice are reviewed: realistic conflict theory and social identity theory. Although overt prejudice seems to have declined, subtle stereotyping is still pervasive. The authors review one theory, aversive racism theory, that explains this phenomenon. They also discuss two perspectives, attributional ambiguity and stereotype threat, which provide accounts of the impact of subtle racism. Both overt and subtle prejudice present challenges for the classroom. The authors describe one intervention called the jigsaw classroom that encourages work toward common goals and helps reduce the expression and impact of overt discrimination. A second intervention program, wise schooling, is presented, which aims to reduce the impact of subtle stereotypes by reducing stereotype threat.

Extremism, Power, and the Imagined Basis of Social Conflict:

Abstract: There is perhaps no more dan gerous force in social relations than the human mind. People's ca pacities to categorize, interpret, and go "beyond the information given" readily lead to the stereo typing and dehumanization that escalate and entrench group con flict. In this article, we focus on op posing partisans' tendency to exaggerate their opponents' ex tremism and the magnitude of their conflict. We first present re search documenting this bias, then consider how imagined extremism intensifies social conflicts, and conclude by discussing how parti sans with power judge their con flicts in more biased ways than do partisans without power, but are themselves judged more accu rately.

Social identity and intergroup evaluative bias: Realistic categories and domain specific self‐esteem in a conflict setting

Abstract: Social identity theory predicts a link between self-esteem and intergroup discrimination. Previous research has failed to find consistent support for this prediction. Much of this research has, however, been beset by a number of methodological shortcomings. These shortcomings may have hindered attempts to discern a consistent relationship between self-esteem and intergroup discrimination. The current investigation sought to overcome these difficulties by utilizing, realistic groups, multidimensional measures of self-esteem and testing self-esteem before and after the manifestation of intergroup evaluative bias. The results demonstrate that when the members of realistic groups engage in evaluative intergroup bias, the esteem in which they hold specific self-images is enhanced. Of the 13 facets of self-esteem delineated by the instrument used in the present study significant increases were found in six particular domains: honesty, academic ability, verbal ability, physical appearance, religion and parental relations. Global self-esteem was unaffected by the display of bias. These findings emphasize the importance of using realistic groups and domain specific self-esteem when attempting to assess the role of self-esteem in intergroup discrimination.

Intergroup Negotiations: The Effects of Negotiating Teams

Abstract: In this study, the performance of individual and team negotiators is compared. From an intergroup relations perspective, teams may be impeded by their competitive orientation and low levels of coop...

A General Theory of Conflict: Bosnia, Strategy and the Future.

Abstract: : To understand the phenomena of 'war' or 'operations other than war,' we must view them in their context of conflict. The dominant academic views such as realism, rationalism, or idealism present partial perspectives of conflict; these views are of limited utility to practitioners who must deal with conflict in an environment of increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. A general theory of conflict would expedite communication and coordination between the diverse efforts of the many agencies of conflict. An outline of a general theory of conflict starts with conflict as the competition of contradictory ideas. The mechanism of conflict is two-fold: logic and violence. The milieu of conflict includes chance, fog, friction and circumstance. Circumstance in turn includes geography, resources, technology and history. This outline of a general theory of conflict can be evaluated in light of Paret's three roles for theory; cognitive, utilitarian, and pedagogic. The cognitive test is applied to generate an improved understanding of the conflict in Bosnia. The utilitarian test is applied to test the usefulness of the theory in matters of current strategy: the conflict environment, the use of force, and the National Security Strategy of Engagement and Enlargement. The pedagogic test is applied to analyze the future and the Revolution of Military Affairs.