Overcoming Identity-Based Hierarchies: Understanding Psychological Barriers and Motivating Social Justice Through Intergroup Contact
Societies worldwide are polarized over social justice, with identity-based status hierarchies manifesting inequalities at both individual and structural levels. Reformers challenge status hierarchies based on group differences, while skeptics resist such efforts. A challenge for reformers is to engage skeptics, especially those with power to effect change, who may benefit from existing hierarchies. Invigorating our collective commitment to social justice, peer-to-peer contact between members of advantaged and disadvantaged groups can support efforts to promote social change and challenge inequities. An ever-growing body of social psychological research demonstrates the benefits of intergroup contact, suggesting that connections between groups must be sufficiently meaningful to promote empathy, respect, and recognition of shared humanity to motivate people and governments for social justice. This chapter reviews this research literature and includes examples of intergroup contact that have catalyzed social justice reform.