Effects of contact, conflict, and social identity on interethnic group hostilities

This study examines the effects of three major (contact, conflict, and social identity) theories of intergroup hostilities on three outgroup hostility components (behavioral intentions, affective reactions, and cognitive evaluations) across three ethnic “ingroup” samples (Whites, Blacks, and Asians). Each of 484 subjects participating in this study took two forms of the survey concerning two other “outgroups.” The general proposition of each theory was tested separately for three ethnic groups, as well as for the total sample. In general, each theory was validated to some degree for one or more ethnic groups, and some theories exhibited more power than others, depending on the types (components) of hostility and ethnic groups. Specifically, only for the White sample, the three theories were upheld on all three hostility components. Comments were made regarding the need of comparative cross-cultural and cross-theory studies of intergroup hostilities for future theory development, empirical research, and practical applications.