Willingness for Cross-Class Contact of Different Social Classes and the Mediating Role of Negative Contact Expectations

Abstract

The probability of cross-class contact between individuals from different social classes is significantly lower than that of random chance contact. However, it remains unclear whether individuals from lower or higher social classes are more reluctant to engage in cross-class contact. This study found that individuals with a lower subjective social class (SSC) were less willing to engage in cross-class contact than those with a higher SSC (Studies 1–2). This disparity in willingness persists even after controlling for expression bias and can be explained by negative contact expectations (Study 3). By manipulating negative contact expectations, a substantial increase in willingness to engage in such interactions can be achieved (Study 4). By focusing on the relationship between SSC and willingness for cross-class contact, this study has profound implications for enhancing intergroup interactions and assisting individuals with a low SSC in overcoming social challenges.

Keywords

social class subjective social class intergroup contact willingness for cross-class contact negative contact expectations

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