Advance Research in Psychology and Behavioural Sciences (ARPBS)
ISSN: 3069-2059
Review Article
Is it Possible to Reduce Prejudice? The Proposal of Contact Theory
Volume 2 Issue 1, 2025
DOI : 10.65070/ARPBS.2025.206
Luis Rodríguez de Vera Mouliaá*
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Mozambique, East Africa
Corresponding Author
Luis Rodríguez de Vera Mouliaá, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Mozambique, East Africa
Keywords
Prejudice; Contact theory; Intergroup relations; Social identity
Abstract
The text explores Contact Theory, introduced by Gordon Allport in 1954, as a proposal to reduce prejudice and discrimination between groups. Based on the idea that prejudice arises from processes of social categorization, the theory suggests that interaction between groups, when well structured, can be an effective tool to transform negative attitudes into positive ones. In this sense, the pillars of ideal contact include equality of status, institutional support, common goals and deep and genuine interactions. In addition, some moderators of the effectof contact are presented, as well as the transfer of effects beyond the immediate contact group and new possibilities of intervention of indirect contact to reduce prejudice. In conclusion, it can be stated that Contact Theory has evolved over the decades, remaining one of the most respected and applied approaches in Social Psychology.