A comprehensive investigation of intergroup contact and ideology (2026-2028)
Abstract
This project aims to advance understanding of how intergroup contact¿interactions between people from different racial, political, or ideological groups¿affects attitudes and reduces prejudice. While traditional theories suggest that contact improves intergroup relations, recent findings show limited longtitudinal effects. The present project suggests that this might be because intergroup interactions have divergent effects depending on the ideological or political orientation of those involved. We plan to test our proposition through comprehensive qualitative, experimental, and longitudinal studies. Outcomes will provide new insights to guide social cohesion strategies, as well as efforts to reduce political polarization.
