Contact with a multicultural past: A prejudice-reducing intervention. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stefaniak, Anna; Bilewicz, Michał
• Is Part Of: International journal of intercultural relations. Volume 50(2016)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Intergroup contact -- Indirect contact -- Antisemitism -- Interest in history -- Prejudice reduction; Intercultural communication -- Periodicals; Cultural relations -- Periodicals; Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Communication interculturelle -- Périodiques; Relations culturelles -- Périodiques; Études transculturelles -- Périodiques; Cross-cultural studies; Cultural relations; Intercultural communication; Periodicals; 303.482
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2015.11.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0147-1767

Abstract

Abstract: This paper introduces the notion of contact with a multicultural past as a new type of indirect intergroup contact. It presents results of a study which evaluated the effects of an educational program utilizing the proposed framework. The program aimed to facilitate the engagement of Polish students ( N = 427) with historical Jewish heritage in their places of residence. The intervention proved highly successful at increasing students' knowledge of and interest in local history which both contributed independently to an increased inclusion of the outgroup (Jews) in the self and in turn to more positive attitudes towards them. The implications of using contact with a multicultural past in societies with low levels of direct intergroup contact are discussed.