Intergroup Contact: Introduction (original) (raw)

1985, Journal of Social Issues

The articles in this issue examine the contact hypothesis in intergroup relations. Although intergroup relations have been an abiding concern of many SPSSI members, the last JSI number to deal with intergroup relations (Ashmore, 1976) had only one article (Hamilton & Bishop, 1976) that even mentioned the pioneering theoretical work on the contact hypothesis (G. W. Allport, 1954; Watson, 1947; Williams, 1947). Given the crucial role contact plays in intergroup relations and the ongoing debate over the outcomes of intergroup contact, the present issue fills a critical need. The articles in this issue substantiate, extend, and modify the contact hypothesis. The contact hypothesis has always been at the heart of the study of intergroup relations. The following are two statements of this hypothesis made almost 25 years apart. Prejudice may be reduced by equal status contact between majority and minority groups in the pursuit of common goals. The effect is greatly enhanced if this contact is sanctioned by institutional supports (i,e., by law, custom, or local atmosphere). and provided it is of a sort that leads to the perception of common interests and common humanity between members of the two groups. (G. W. Allport. 1954, p. 281) Attitude change favorable to a disliked group will result from equal status contact with stereotype-disconfirming persons from that group, provided that the contact is cooperative and of such a nature a5 to reveal the individual characteristics of the person contacted and that it takes place in a situation characterized by social norms favoring equality and equalitarian association among the participating groups. (Cook, 1978, pp. 97-98