The contact hypothesis is a theory that suggests that increased contact between members of two different social groups can lead to a reduction in prejudice and increased intergroup understanding and cooperation (Allport, 1954). The contact hypothesis was first proposed by American psychologist Gordon Allport in 1954, and has since been tested and supported with empirical evidence in a variety of contexts.
The contact hypothesis is based on two underlying assumptions. The first is that contact between members of different groups will lead to intergroup understanding and a reduction in prejudice. The second is that the contact must be characterized by certain conditions in order to be effective. These conditions include equal status between the two groups, cooperation between them, a common goal, and the support of authorities (Allport, 1954).
Research examining the contact hypothesis has found that it can be effective in reducing prejudice and increasing intergroup understanding. For example, in a study by Pettigrew and Tropp (2006), participants who were exposed to intergroup contact in the form of structured conversations between members of different groups showed decreased prejudice and increased intergroup understanding. Similarly, a study by Desforges and Aboud (2003) found that intergroup contact was associated with decreased prejudice and increased acceptance of the outgroup.
Despite the evidence supporting the contact hypothesis, there are also limitations to its effectiveness. In some cases, contact between two groups can lead to increased prejudice rather than decreased prejudice. This is often due to the presence of negative stereotypes and negative emotions between the two groups (Desforges & Aboud, 2003). In addition, contact between two groups may not be enough to reduce prejudice if it is not accompanied by other forms of intergroup interaction, such as cooperative activities (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006).
In conclusion, the contact hypothesis is a theory that suggests that increased contact between members of two different social groups can lead to a reduction in prejudice and increased intergroup understanding and cooperation. Research examining the contact hypothesis has found that it can be effective in reducing prejudice and increasing intergroup understanding, although there are also limitations to its effectiveness.
References
Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Desforges, D. M., & Aboud, F. E. (2003). Effects of direct and indirect contact on prejudice: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129(3), 431-446.
Pettigrew, T. F., & Tropp, L. R. (2006). A meta-analytic test of intergroup contact theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(5), 751-783.