PSYCH355 Lecture 8: irony of harmony article

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH355
• Professor: Hilary B Bergsieker

Document Summary

Positive contact affects disadvantaged group member"s perceptions of intergroup inequality which decreases their support for social change to equality. Whether positive intergroup contact creates overly optimistic perceptions of intergroup equality among members of disadvantaged groups reducing attention to unjust inequalities between groups. Study 1: p"s assigned to high/low power experimental groups then discussed commonalities between the groups or intergroup differences. Commonality focused contact = heightened expectations for fair out group behavior among members of disadvantaged groups. Expectations were proved to be unrealistic when comparing actions of members of advantaged groups. Study 2: p"s were arabs (disadvantaged minority) who reported amount of positive contact with jews. More positive intergroup contact = increased perceptions of jews as fair, which decreased support for social change. Positive intergroup contact leads disadvantaged group members to not focus on group inequality. How disadvantaged group members" false beliefs of own social standing ie. denying injustice towards groups occur, ultimately maintains hierarchy.