Optimal intergroup contact needs both interpersonal disclosure and maintained category salience
Evidence
Allport himself foresaw this dilemma between eliminating categories via assimilation and retaining important group memberships, and proposed that “for those who wish to assimilate, there should be no artificial barriers placed in their way; for those who wish to maintain ethnic integrity, their efforts should be met with tolerance and appreciation” (1954/1979, p. 517). Moreover, even if avoiding group salience seems theoretically desirable, it may be perceptually impossible for certain groups, such as race, age, and gender, for which even a minimal cue to group membership is asymptotically and unambiguously high. The elimination of group membership is not only impractical and threatening (Brewer, 1991), but it also limits the impact of intergroup contact on generalization. Therefore, retaining group salience in a positive, intimate, cross-group interaction appears to be the best way to optimize intergroup contact. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1818 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
These findings indicate the importance of the intimacy of contact and its potential to personalize the outgroup member, but they also suggest that despite the importance of a personalized interaction, some level of category salience must also be maintained if positive attitudes are to generalize to other members of the outgroup category. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1816 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Emphasizing categorization during contact, however, is not without its own dangers. Making categories salient risks exacerbating and reinforcing perceptions of group differences, which may result in anxiety, discomfort, and fear (Hewstone & Brown, 1986). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1811 (
#complicates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Intergroup contact most strongly and reliably predicts willingness to mix with the outgroup — Miles Hewstone and Ed Cairns and Alberto Voci and Juergen Hamberger and Ulrike Niens, Intergroup Contact, Forgiveness, and…, 43; Emphasizing complementary distinctiveness can make intergroup categorization trusting rather than threatening; Keeping subgroup identity salient aids generalization of contact benefits (+6 more)
Broader Connections
- Retaining group salience optimizes contact more than eliminating categories does
#corroborates(0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1818 - Category salience must persist alongside intimacy for contact effects to generalize
#expands(0.92) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1816 - Salient categorization during intergroup contact can breed anxiety rather than reduce prejudice.
#complicates(0.75) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1811