The theory that prejudice and intergroup conflict can be reduced through direct contact between members of different groups, particularly under optimal conditions of equal status, common goals, and institutional support. The hypothesis suggests that familiarity breeds understanding rather than contempt.
Developed by psychologist Gordon Allport in his 1954 book 'The Nature of Prejudice,' building on earlier observations about intergroup relations. The term directly describes the core premise that contact between groups can improve relations under proper conditions.
It turns out that simply putting different groups together isn't enough - it's like expecting people to become friends just by being in the same room! The magic happens when they work toward shared goals as equals with support from authority figures.
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