Superficial intergroup contact reinforces rather than reduces stereotypes

Evidence

Despite his optimism about the potential benefits of contact, Allport warned that superficial contact between members of different groups would, in fact, reinforce stereotypes, by failing to provide new information about each group, or via a self-fulfilling prophecy whereby cautious avoidance of intimacy is mutually interpreted as distrust or dislike, confirming initial suspicion. Thus he wrote, “the casual contact has left matters worse than before” (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 264). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1795 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim
• 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; Cross-cutting exposure fails because outgroup posts are predominantly derogatory; Unprepared intergroup contact can backfire and worsen polarization. (+11 more)

Broader Connections

• Superficial intergroup contact can actually worsen rather than reduce prejudice #corroborates (0.97) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1795