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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

Received  : March 07, 2025

Published : Mar 17, 2025

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.