Unit XIV Module 80: Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A belief that leads to its own self fulfillment Ex: If you believe someone is rude or cold, you might act in a way that would cause that person to behave that way, justifying your perception.

Conflict

A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas.

On March 13, 1964, a stalker repeatedly stabbed Kitty Genovese, then raped her as she lay dying inside her Queens, New York, apartment at 3:30 A.M. Genovese screamed and as a result windows opened and lights went on as neighbors heard her. Her attacker fled and then returned to stab and rape her again. No one called the police until he fled for good, at 3:50 A.M.

Explain what happened to Kitty Genovese.

GRIT strategy

Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction—a strategy designed to decrease international tensions.

Superordinate goals

Shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation.

Altruism

Unselfish regard for the welfare of others.

It can lead to acceptance of one another. Cooperative contact forces parties to work together, and therefore those shared predicaments and goals can turn enemies into allies and friends.

Why does it help to put conflict parties into close contact?

Mirror-image perceptions

Mutual views often held by conflicting people, as when each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive.

Reciprocity norm

An expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them.

Social traps (game theory, prisoners' dilemmma)

A situation in which the the conflicting parties, by each rationally pursuing their self-interest rather than the good of the group, become caught in the mutually destructive behavior.

Social-responsibility norm

An expectation that people will help those needing their help.

Bystander Effect

The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present.

Social exchange theory

The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs.

The best odds of our helping someone occur when: • The person appears to need and deserve help • The person is in some way similar to us • The person is a woman • We have just observed someone else being helpful • We are not in a hurry • We are in a small town or rural area • We are feeling guilty • We are focused on others and not preoccupied • We are in a good mood

What factors are in play to show the best odds of helping someone.