Improving Relationships through Intergroup Contact скачать в хорошем качестве

Improving Relationships through Intergroup Contact

Commonly, interpersonal contact in groups can help improve conflict between members. However, contact does not always reduce intergroup hostility and in fact, sometimes makes it worse. Research has shown that characteristics of contact are important in the quality of subsequent relations. For the diversity professional, this research is relevant for designing intergroup events as well as analyzing qualities of existing relationships to understand how they might be changed to improve intergroup relationships. Four factors were necessary for intergroup contact to have positive effects: equal status contact, shared goals, cooperative relations, and support from laws, norms, or authorities. Other psychologists emphasized the role of decategorization or weakening of perceived boundaries separating the groups. When interaction is successful, a new inclusive sense of group identity develops. Informal activities encouraging cooperation across group boundaries can be very constructive.