As violence and conflict continue to increase worldwide, many activists and social psychologists search for ways to reduce tension. Although media outlets tend to only highlight the problem, it is important for society to pursue possible solutions. Although the average American cannot draft a social policy to be debated on Congress’ floor, every single individual can make personal choices to positively impact social change. This can be accomplished by decreasing negative stereotyping of those different from oneself and promoting positive diverse relationships. Employers have the ability to establish environments that will encourage this mindset among its employees.
Suggested by Gordon Alllport, the contact hypothesis states improved relations between members of an in-group and those of an out-group can occur through positive contact under certain conditions.(Schneider, 2012) It is these specific, often unrealistic, conditions that make many give up on the contact hypothesis without giving it a try. However, I believe employers have the ability to create situations in which teams/groups meet most, if not all, the criteria and can benefit greatly from the contact hypothesis.
- Equal status and power among members
- All individuals hold the same position with the company and hold the same amount of influence in decisoin making.
- Share a common goal
- Employees are all working towards the same project/deadline.
- Support from institution
- Incentives for completion of group projects. Teamwork encouraged. Resources shared equally between all members.
Employers have the power to construct diverse teams. In doing so, I believe the contact hypothesis would act upon the individuals. Thus, social relations among the employees will become increasingly more positive. The social impact can then overflow into the everyday lives’ of the employees. For example, after experiencing positve interactions with a co-worker of a different racial background, one may have less negative stereotypes of someone of that race. Social change does not happen overnight. Yet, it happens in small doses everyday across the world.
References:
Schneider, F. W., Gruman, J. A., & Coutts, L. M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
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