10.4225

Theory Contact Theory (CT) refers to the idea that bringing people from different backgrounds together can help promote acceptance of diversity in a range of social contexts. Specifically, the goals of CT are to reduce prejudice, foster intercultural understanding, and promote cooperative behavior. CT suggests that the more contact individuals have with those who are different from them, such as those of different races or those who hold different beliefs and values, the more likely they are to feel positive about the other group. The 10.4225 part of contact theory suggests that contact should be of equal status, positive, sustained, cooperative, and should involve cross-cutting social categories, such as gender, race, and religion. Additionally, these principles suggest that contact should occur in environments that are safe and free from prejudice in order for it to be effective.