Superordinate goals for intergroup cooperation

Superordinate goals are common objectives that are highly valued by two or more groups in conflict, but that can only be achieved through cooperation and joint efforts of those groups.

Introducing these goals is a powerful strategy for reducing intergroup hostility and fostering collaboration.

Definition and Key Characteristics

A superordinate goal has two essential characteristics:

• Common Appeal: A goal that both groups want to achieve and consider important.

• Positive Interdependence: Requires the contribution and cooperation of all groups involved; no group can achieve it alone.

These goals transform the relationship between groups from a "zero-sum" competitive dynamic (where one's gain is the other's loss) to one of positive interdependence, where one group's success depends on the other's success.

Experimental Evidence: The Cave of Thieves Study

Muzafer Sherif's "Cave of Thieves" experiment provides the clearest and most classic demonstration of the power of superordinate goals.

After having induced strong conflict and hostility between the "Eagles" and the "Rattlers" through competition, Sherif and his team introduced a series of situations that required cooperation from both groups to be resolved.

For example, a problem with the camp's water supply was simulated, where the truck that was supposed to bring the water "broke down" and the children in both groups had to work together to push it off.

On another occasion, they were told that in order to see a movie they all wanted, they had to pool their group's rental money.

Impact on Intergroup Relations

The introduction of these superordinate goals had a transformative effect on the relationships between the two groups.

As they worked together to achieve these common goals, hostility and negative stereotypes began to diminish.

The children began interacting more positively, forming friendships across group lines, and developing a broader shared identity as campers, rather than just as "Eagles" or "Rattlers."