Contact between groups and support for social change

In this program of research, I examine how individuals’ social ties with outgroup members impact social change intentions. I address two primary theoretical questions: First, what are the processes involved in intergroup contact, and how do individuals’ social networks predict their perceptions toward another group, and consequently, the political policies they support? Second, how do disadvantaged groups perceive intergroup contact? Can increased contact with the outgroup exacerbate or support collective action intentions? To address the first question, I examine how individuals’ social ties to Muslims impact their attitudes toward Muslims as a group, as well as support for political policies that may benefit them. To address the second question, I collaborate with a team of interdisciplinary national and international colleagues to conduct a large-scale test of intergroup contact and support for social change.