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Interracial prison contact: the pros for (socially dominant) cons
1Department of Psychology, Brock University, Ontario, Canada. ghodson@brocku.ca
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|August 19, 2007
Summary
Individuals high in social dominance orientation (SDO) show less in-group bias when they have positive contact with other groups. Empathy plays a key role in reducing prejudice in these high-SDO individuals.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Social dominance orientation (SDO) involves endorsing group hierarchies and inequality.
- Limited research exists on contextual factors reducing intergroup biases in high-SDO individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate contextual factors influencing intergroup biases among high-SDO individuals using a Person x Situation approach.
- To explore the applicability of the Contact Hypothesis in reducing biases within a prison setting.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted in British prisons involving White inmates.
- Data collected on SDO, intergroup contact, perceived institutional support for contact, interaction pleasantness, and empathy.
Main Results:
- Higher SDO was associated with less in-group bias under conditions of increased intergroup contact.
- Favorable contact conditions (institutional support, pleasant interactions) moderated the SDO-in-group bias relationship.
- Empathy mediated the effect of contact on reduced in-group bias for high-SDO individuals.
Conclusions:
- Contextual factors, particularly positive intergroup contact, can reduce in-group bias even in individuals high in SDO.
- Empathy is a crucial mediator in reducing prejudice within contact settings for high-SDO individuals.
- Findings highlight the importance of individual differences and empathy in interventions aimed at improving intergroup relations.
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