Contact effects vary by individual differences, societal norms, and stage of contact

Evidence

Finally, both individual differences and societal norms shape intergroup contact effects. The chapter outlines a longitudinal intergroup contact theory. It distinguishes between essential and facilitating factors, and emphasizes different outcomes for different stages of contact. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 3

Categorization

• SEED: An essay angle: why ‘does contact work?’ is the wrong question — the answer depends on whose norms and which stage, so the variable framing is the story.