Real intergroup conflicts become magnified by layered-on prejudice distinct from their cause.

Evidence

Allport observed that it is often difficult to disentangle genuine conflicts of interest between groups from prejudice, in part because they often operate in concert. Once initiated, Allport suggested, genuine conflicts of interest tend to take on “excess baggage” in the form of prejudice, so that the conflict is magnified. Nevertheless, Allport (1954/1979) further argued that it is important, both conceptually and practically, to distinguish between the “inherently competitive elements in the situation” (p. 231) and prejudice. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1475

Categorization

• DEFINE: Allport’s “excess baggage” concept distinguishes genuine conflict of interest from the prejudice that accretes onto it.