Mobilizing the Majority: The Role of Intergroup Contact and Exposure to Conceptualizations of Racism in Promoting Intergroup Solidarity

Abstract

Intergroup contact is known to predict advantaged group members’ solidarity with minority outgroups, which is crucial given persisting racial inequalities. To identify whether exposure to a conceptualization of racism can affect the contact–action relationship, two studies were conducted with White participants randomly allocated to a systemic racism, individual racism, or baseline condition, and their intergroup contact quality with racial minorities measured as a predictor of solidarity. Study 1 (N = 311) showed that higher contact quality generally predicted greater intergroup solidarity, particularly when exposed to individual racism. Study 2 (N = 322) clarified that individual racism exposure not only strengthened the positive contact–action relationship, but, relative to systemic racism exposure, could also minimize the negative contact–action relationship for lower quality contact. These findings highlight that individual racism exposure and positive contact experiences may together be conducive to promoting solidarity, offering practical considerations for future contact interventions.

Keywords

intergroup contact intergroup solidarity collective action interpersonal action systemic racism individual racism

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