A blind spot in intergroup contact: A systematic review on predictors and outcomes of inter-minority contact experiences

Abstract

In contemporary multicultural societies undergoing heightened immigration, investigating inter-ethnic minority contact is paramount. The present systematic review aims to summarize the still scarce findings on inter-minority contact in shaping attitudes between ethnic minorities. Specifically, it addresses the antecedents and consequences of inter-minority contact, by distinguishing research focusing on adolescents and adults. Moreover, as outcomes of inter-minority contact, ethnic prejudice and attitudes toward support for collective action to promote social change are separately illustrated. A total of 22 studies are included in this systematic review. The findings from these studies show few specific macro- (e.g., contextual diversity) and micro-level factors (e.g., socio-economic status) as antecedents of inter-minority contact. Moreover, results consistently across adolescent and adult samples show that both direct and extended positive contact are associated with reduced prejudice and increased support for outgroup-friendly policies. Yet, negative contact exacerbates intergroup tensions amongst minorities. Research also summarizes the mediating and moderating factors of such associations. Overall, the current systematic review illustrates the varied and sparse findings on the topic supporting the beneficial role of positive inter-minority contact in building more inclusive and equitable societies as well as the processes and factors that may play a role.