Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment

Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment, conducted in 1954, studied intergroup conflict and cooperation among boys at a summer camp. Two groups, the Rattlers and the Eagles, initially bonded separately, fostering strong group identities and competition. As conflicts arose, hostility increased. However, when presented with shared challenges requiring teamwork, the groups collaborated, reducing prejudice and promoting friendship. This experiment highlighted how group dynamics can create division and the potential for cooperation to overcome differences, emphasizing the impact of social identity on behavior and attitudes in intergroup relations.