Asimovic, N. & Ditlmann, R.K (R&R). Cross-group friends and feeling empowered in intergroup contact programs: mediating pathways and practical strategies for divided societies. Journal of Political and Social Psychology.
Abstract:
Structured intergroup programs provide a unique opportunity for youth in divided societies to come together and engage in shared activities. This research examines what makes such programs effective through survey findings from youth participants in an initiative that embeds intergroup contact in a sports program facilitated by the same global organization across Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Israel, and South Africa. Our hypotheses focus on the pivotal roles of cross-group friendships and empowerment in shaping intergroup contact intentions, ingroup-oriented reconciliation efforts, and self-efficacy development – outcomes crucial for bridging communities in divided societies. Using structural equation modeling, we find that program duration directly and indirectly influences self-efficacy, whereas it influences intergroup contact intentions and reconciliation efforts only indirectly through cross-group friendships and empowerment. Combining survey results with qualitative data, this paper highlights the key mechanisms for the success of intergroup contact interventions aimed at facilitating constructive relations and fostering positive change among youth in divided societies.
Collaborator: Assistant Professor Neijla Asimovic, PhD (Georgetown University)
Title: Information alone might not be enough: The limited impact of exposure to factual information about historical atrocities
Authors: Oguzhan Turkoglu, Berenike Firestone, Sabina ˇCehaji´c-Clancy, Ruth K. Ditlmann
Status: Manuscript submitted for publication, click here to read.
Abstract:
Informing people about historical atrocities and injustice is considered critical for sustaining democracies and preventing similar atrocities in the future. Yet, what remains unknown is whether exposure to factual information about ingroups’ historical injustices, such as genocide, slavery, or colonial crimes, leads to increased willingness to address those injustices? In the first study to systematically assess the impact of such exposure in five countries (Canada, France, Germany, Spain, United States), using large samples (n> 1500 per country) and a comprehensive battery of outcomes, we find limited impact of exposure to factual information. Participants in the experimental condition reported increased acknowledgment of the injustice and intentions to dismantle it in some but not all countries. Across all countries, we find that exposure led to self-reported learning, which predicted all measured outcomes. These findings suggest that whilst factual information is important, other ingredients are needed to facilitate broader dismantling of past injustice.