Contact Theory: Challenges and Prospects of Applications in Democracy, Human Rights, and Conflict Re

Presented by: RCID Lab

The session will describe advances and limitations of contact theory in the field of peacebuilding, democratic development, conflict analysis and resolution. Contact theory – one of the most influential theoretical ideas in social psychology – posits that positive, enduring contact between antagonistic groups that facilitates cooperation toward common goals can reduce intergroup prejudice. Despite widespread use of intergroup contact in democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) programs, there is a lack of systematic consideration of DRG program approaches and theories of change in relation to a wide body of empirical evidence on contact theory. To address this need, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution conduct collaborative academic-practitioner research project to improve DRG programming involving intergroup contact through the utilization and sharing of empirical evidence and tested methods. The session will present results of mixed-methods review of DRG programs in relation to the latest evidence on intergroup contact.

Panelists:

Karina Korostelina, Professor, Carter School

Susan Allen, Professor, Director of Graduate Programs, Carter School

Beltina Gjeloshi, Project Manager, Ph.D student, Carter School