Intergroup Contact, Friendships and Prejudice Reduction in Multiethnic Schools and Communities: Sociological, Psychological and Pedagogical Research and Theory

This edited collection addresses the important study of the conditions that support positive intergroup contact that leads to intergroup friendships and prejudice reduction through a multidisciplinary lens. Employing Intergroup Contact Theory and Intergroup Friendships Theory as conceptual foundations, this book brings together researchers in psychology, sociology and education.

European societies are increasingly diverse spaces in which children, adolescents and adults of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs and cultural-linguistic practices interact daily. These spaces provide fertile ground for a continuum of relational experiences, from positive intergroup relationships and friendships to tensions and experiences of discrimination, marginalization and isolation. Bergamaschi, Pica and their contributors examine the psychological and sociological conditions, as well as the pedagogical interventions, that can shape interactions among young people.

The book will be of great interest to academics and students across disciplines, educators, policy makers and activists interested in how to support intercultural societies and schools toward the goal of reduced prejudice and discrimination toward a more intercultural and just society. The book will be a valuable read for scholars of the sociology of multiethnic society and for scholars interested in the role of education and school environments.

Alessandro Bergamaschi is Full Professor of Sociology and the director of the Centre de Recherche sur les Expertises, les Arts et les Transitions (UR CREAT n° 2024515X) at Lorraine University, France. He is also the principal coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master MISEI (Master Internationale en Sciences de l’Education Inclusive).

Cinzia Pica is Full Professor of Human Services and the Director of the Women’s Studies Program at Assumption University in Worcester, United States.