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Inter-group contact

Inter-group relations, such as those between different ethnic groups, are very often characterized by mutual prejudice and conflict. One of the most researched and promising social science approaches to reducing prejudice is the theory of intergroup contact: Contact with members of an outside group not only improves attitudes toward those members themselves, but reduces prejudice toward the group as a whole. Recent studies also show that not only direct contact in the sense of face-to-face interactions, but also indirect contact experiences (e.g., having friends who are in turn friends with members of other groups) lead to positive effects. In our research on the effects of inter-group contact, we are interested in, among other things, how (mediators) and when (facilitators) contact is used, as well as how contact is used as an intervention in practical settings. In recent years, we have also been particularly interested in the role of social context and its influence on the design and impact of intergroup contact. In doing so, we apply a multi-level approach to integrate the individual level and context level.

Relevant publications:

• Asbrock, F., Lemmer, G., Becker, J. & Koller, J., & Wagner, U. (2014). ‘Who are these foreigners anyway?’ – The content of the term foreigner and its Impact on prejudice. SAGE Open, 4, 1-8.
• Lemmer, G., & Wagner, U. (2015). Can we really reduce ethnic prejudice outside the lab?  A meta-analysis of direct and indirect contact interventions. European Journal of Social Psychology, 45, 152-168.