Planned Intergroup Contact Interventions

Planned Intergroup Contact Interventions

Planned Intergroup Contact Interventions are based on the theory that constructive and/or guided contact can improve intergroup relations. There are different types of contact and interventions, but they are organized to help individuals and societies cope with living in a conflict or living in the aftermath of conflict. It has been found, that intergroup contact can, given certain conditions, effectively reduce hostility and prejudice and create more positive attitudes between groups. For an Intergroup Contact Intervention to be successful, five primary conditions are identified: (1) equal status of both groups; (2) ongoing personal interaction between the groups; (3) cooperation during a situation of mutual dependence where both groups must work together towards a common goal; and (4) institutional support in which authorities and institutions agree about norms that support equality.