In this groundbreaking volume, Vezzali and Stathi present their research program within the larger contact literature, examining classic theories and current empirical findings, to show how they can be used to reduce prejudice and negative attitudes. The contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954) posits that in an environment of equality, cooperation, and normative support, contact between members of distinct groups can reduce prejudice. Whilst considerable research supports this hypothesis, how theory can be tested in the field remains relatively unexplored. In this innovative book, Vezzali and Stathi discuss why relying solely on advancing theory without considering applied aspects integral to contact may limit the scope of contact theory and restrict our understanding of complex social phenomena. Exploring fascinating topics such as the role of contact in reducing implicit prejudice and fostering collective action, applying indirect contact, and promoting positive interactions among survivors of natural disasters, Vezzali and Stathi explain how contact theory can be implemented and enhance the societal impact of intergroup contact research. Featuring extensive discussion on intergroup contact literature, future directions, and the necessity of applied research, this book will be essential reading for both students and academics of social and behavioral psychology.

Intergroup contact theory has been one of the most influential theories in social psychology since it was first formulated by Gordon Allport in 1954. This volume highlights, via a critical lens, the most notable recent developments in the field, demonstrating its vitality and its capacity for reinvention and integration with a variety of seemingly distinct research areas. In the last two decades, the research focus has been on the variables that explain why contact improves intergroup attitudes and when the contact-prejudice relationship is stronger. Current research highlights that contact is not a panacea for prejudice, but it can represent a useful tool that can contribute to the improvement of intergroup relations. The book includes coverage of a number of previously under-researched fields, which extend the full potential of contact theory within the personality, acculturation and developmental domains. The chapters also examine the methodological advances in the field and the applied implications. The book offers a rich picture of the state of the field and future directions for research that will be invaluable to students and scholars working in social psychology and related disciplines. It aims to provide fertile ground for the development of new, exciting and dynamic research ideas in intergroup relations.

Intergroup contact theory has been one of the most influential theories in social psychology since it was first formulated by Gordon Allport in 1954. This volume highlights, via a critical lens, the most notable recent developments in the field, demonstrating its vitality and its capacity for reinvention and integration with a variety of seemingly distinct research areas. In the last two decades, the research focus has been on the variables that explain why contact improves intergroup attitudes and when the contact-prejudice relationship is stronger. Current research highlights that contact is not a panacea for prejudice, but it can represent a useful tool that can contribute to the improvement of intergroup relations. The book includes coverage of a number of previously under-researched fields, which extend the full potential of contact theory within the personality, acculturation and developmental domains. The chapters also examine the methodological advances in the field and the applied implications. The book offers a rich picture of the state of the field and future directions for research that will be invaluable to students and scholars working in social psychology and related disciplines. It aims to provide fertile ground for the development of new, exciting and dynamic research ideas in intergroup relations.

This volume draws together world-renowned experts to provide a long-awaited update on the state of affairs in intergroup contact research.

This concise student edition of The Cambridge Handbook of the Psychology of Prejudice includes new pedagogical features and instructor resources.

This edited volume captures an exciting new trend in research on intergroup attitudes and relations, which concerns how individuals make judgments, and interact with individuals from different group categories, broadly defined in terms of gender, race, age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and body type. This new approach is an integrative perspective, one which draws on theory and research in the areas of developmental and social psychology. Throughout human history, intergroup conflict has often served as the basis for societal conflict, strife, and tension. Over the past several decades, individual and group mobility has enabled individuals to interact with a wider range of people from different backgrounds than ever before. On the one hand, this level of societal heterogeneity contributes to intergroup conflict. On the other hand, the experience of such heterogeneity has also reduced stereotypes, and increased an understanding of others' perspectives and experiences. Where does it begin? When do children acquire stereotypes about the other? What are the sources of influence, and how does change come about? To provide a deeper understanding of the origins, stability, and reduction of intergroup conflict, scholars in this volume report on current, cutting edge theory and new research findings. Progress in the area of intergroup attitudes relies on continued advances in both the understanding of the origins and the trajectory of intergroup conflict and harmony (as historically studied by developmental psychologists) and the understanding of contexts and conditions that contribute to positive and negative intergroup attitudes and relations (as historically studied by social psychologists). Recent social and developmental psychology research clarifies the multifaceted nature of prejudice and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to addressing prejudice. The recent blossoming of research on the integration of developmental and social psychology represented in this volume will appeal to scholars and students in the areas of developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, education, social neuroscience, law, business, and political science.