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The social psychology of minority experiences of interracial contact (2022-2025)

Abstract

Interracial contact is perhaps the most prominent social psychological approach to reducing racism. This project aims to test the novel proposition that there may be hidden costs to relying on contact, however. Generating new knowledge in the field of social psychology, this project plans to examine whether minority group members feel pressured to 'perform' during interracial contact, engaging in emotional labour, and experiencing psychological burnout as a result. Expected outcomes include substantive collaboration, theory development, and scientific progress leading to social change. Ultimately, the project aspires to benefit those who suffer most from discrimination and prejudice by improving techniques for targeting racism.

Experts

Professor Fiona Barlow

Affiliate of Social Identity and Groups Network (SIGN) Research Centre
Social Identity and Groups Network
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of Centre for Research in Social Psychology (CRiSP)
Centre for Research in Social Psychology
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of Centre for Psychology and Evolution
Centre for Psychology and Evolution
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Professor
School of Psychology
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Fiona Barlow
Fiona Barlow

Dr Michael Thai

Affiliate of Centre for Research in Social Psychology (CRiSP)
Centre for Research in Social Psychology
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Lecturer
School of Psychology
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Michael Thai
Michael Thai