The Ability to Overcome Out-Group Perceptions: Face-to-Face Interaction Revisited

Abstract

This chapter argues that face-to-face interaction in public school systems is a more promising way to combatting out-group perceptions than are bowling association. By means of experimental data the chapter shows that contact with ‘non-western immigrants’ in primary, secondary and high schools actually lowers prejudice among white Danish students. When students who have been only in non-mixed classes are exposed to experimental ‘treatments’ that ‘load’ ethnic stereotypes, their response pattern confirms that there is a negative relationship between ethnic diversity and trust, respectively support for anti-poverty policies. But when the same ‘ethnic treatments’ are given to students who have been in mixed classes, this negative impact cannot be found.