Intergroup contact reduces prejudice only under four specific optimal conditions.

Evidence

Allport (1954) introduced the most influential statement of intergroup contact theory in The Nature of Prejudice. His formulation of intergroup contact theory maintained that contact between groups under optimal conditions could effectively reduce intergroup prejudice. In particular, Allport held that reduced prejudice will result when four features of the contact situation are present: equal status between the groups in the situation; common goals; intergroup cooperation; and the support of authorities, law, or custom. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Linda R. Tropp, A Meta-Analytic Test of Intergroup…, 17

To account for these inconsistencies, Allport adopted a “positive factors” approach. Reduced prejudice will result, he held, when four positive features of the contact situation are present: (a) equal status between the groups, (b) common goals, (c) intergroup cooperation, and (d) the support of authorities, law, or custom. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1665

Allport (1954) held that positive effects of intergroup contact occur only in situations marked by four key conditions: equal group status within the situation; common goals; intergroup cooperation; and the support of authorities, law, or custom. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 9

Categorization

• DEFINE: This is the canonical statement of Allport’s four conditions for optimal intergroup contact.
• XREF: Connects to contact hypothesis debates in political science and community development; also to Pettigrew’s own extension of the theory. — connects to: Effective intergroup contact requires seven preconditions in political contexts. — Rachel Hartman et al., Interventions to Reduce Partisan…, 45; Intergroup contact reduces prejudice across outgroups, and Allport’s conditions are helpful but not essential. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Linda R. Tropp, A Meta-Analytic Test of Intergroup…, 3; Allport’s optimal contact conditions enhance but are not necessary for reducing prejudice. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Linda R. Tropp, A Meta-Analytic Test of Intergroup…, 222 (+2 more)
• corroborated: 5 independent passages support this claim — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Linda R. Tropp, A Meta-Analytic Test of Intergroup…, 17; , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1665; Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 9