Does Intergroup Contact Reduce Prejudice?

Introduction

Intergroup contact theory posits that interactions between members of different groups can reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations. This theory has been extensively studied across various contexts and populations, with numerous research papers examining its efficacy and underlying mechanisms.

Key Insights

General Efficacy of Intergroup Contact:
- Intergroup contact reliably reduces prejudice across different contexts and populations, including both advantaged and disadvantaged groups, and in both WEIRD and non-WEIRD societies .
- The effects of intergroup contact generalize to the entire outgroup and are not limited to specific individuals within the outgroup .
Mechanisms of Prejudice Reduction:
- Intergroup contact reduces prejudice by enhancing knowledge about the outgroup, reducing anxiety about intergroup interactions, and increasing empathy and perspective-taking .
- Among these mechanisms, reducing anxiety and increasing empathy are particularly strong mediators of the contact-prejudice relationship .
Moderating Factors:
- The beneficial effects of intergroup contact are robust even in the presence of perceived intergroup threat and discrimination.
- Social norms play a significant role; intergroup contact can reduce the influence of intolerant social norms on prejudice.
Differences Between Majority and Minority Groups:
- The relationship between intergroup contact and prejudice is generally stronger for majority groups compared to minority groups .
- For minority groups, the effects of intergroup contact on reducing prejudice are less pronounced, and the mediating role of anxiety is weaker .
Indirect and Imagined Contact:
- Indirect forms of contact, such as imagining intergroup interactions or having friends who have outgroup friends, can also reduce prejudice .
- Imagined intergroup contact has been shown to improve implicit attitudes towards outgroups.
Optimal Conditions for Contact:
- Allport's conditions for optimal contact (equal status, common goals, no intergroup competition, and authority sanction) enhance the effectiveness of intergroup contact but are not strictly necessary for prejudice reduction .

Conclusion

Intergroup contact is a powerful tool for reducing prejudice and fostering positive intergroup relations. It works through mechanisms such as reducing anxiety, increasing empathy, and enhancing knowledge about the outgroup. While the effects are generally stronger for majority groups, intergroup contact remains effective even in challenging conditions, such as high perceived threat and discrimination. Additionally, indirect forms of contact, including imagined interactions, can also contribute to reducing prejudice. Overall, intergroup contact promotes more tolerant and inclusive societies.

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Intergroup contact is reliably associated with reduced prejudice, even in the face of group threat and discrimination.

How does intergroup contact reduce prejudice? Meta‐analytic tests of three mediators

A meta-analytic test of intergroup contact theory.

Does contact reduce prejudice or does prejudice reduce contact? A longitudinal test of the contact hypothesis among majority and minority groups in three European countries.

Relationships Between Intergroup Contact and Prejudice Among Minority and Majority Status Groups

Recent advances in intergroup contact theory

Imagining intergroup contact reduces implicit prejudice.

Generalized Intergroup Contact Effects on Prejudice

Intergroup contact moderates the influence of social norms on prejudice

Reducing Prejudice

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