Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Scarce resources refer to limited or insufficient supplies or materials that are in high demand. In the context of prejudice, it refers to the belief that prejudice arises when groups compete against each other for limited resources.
Related terms
Zero-Sum Game: This term refers to a situation where one group's gain is seen as another group's loss, further intensifying competition between them.
Social Dominance Orientation: It is an individual's preference for hierarchical relationships between different social groups, which can contribute to prejudiced attitudes during resource competition.
Realistic Conflict Theory: This theory suggests that intergroup conflict and prejudice occur due to actual competition over scarce resources, leading to negative attitudes and behavior towards outgroups.