To what extent is competition between social groups a necessary condition for inter-group discrimination?

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Social Psychology

To what extent is competition between social groups a necessary condition for inter-group discrimination?

Discrimination is a highly contentious issue in our contemporary society, and is still not a thoroughly understood phenomenon, despite extensive and illuminating psychological research. The question acknowledges that there is a place for competition in the creation of inter-group discrimination, in some instances leading to hostility and aggressive behaviours, but how much is competition responsible for such social phenomena? Furthermore, surely there are other factors, which also act as a catalyst for discrimination. However, what does 'competition' actually refer to? Is it the dispute over real resources, as Sherif (1953) argues, or more abstract notions such as honour, respect and the like. Is competition a constantly required variable or does to shift to more negative happenings? I intend to try and answer these ambiguities the question offers, mainly through the research and theories of Tajfel and Sherif, but will conclude that competition is indeed a highly imperative condition for inter-group discrimination, varying in degrees in concordance with the social and historical background of a social group.

First then, we come to the issue of whether competition is a required