Intergroup Harmony

Intergroup harmony is a branch of social psychology which is often studied within the framework of Social Identity Theory^[1] It is important for many reasons including reduced prejudice,^[2] increased psychological well-being,^[3] increased economic status,^[4] and increased identity security for members of both groups.^[1] Two main theories have been put forward for the achievement of intergroup harmony. The contact hypothesis suggests that increased contact leads to higher levels of harmony, and the presence of subordinate goals can help groups in conflict to overcome their differences. Intergroup harmony can be applied in many real world applications including in education, the workplace and family dynamics; however there have also been criticisms for this theory, as not all situations of intergroup harmony will lead to a positive outcome.

^ ^a ^b Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). "An integrative theory of intergroup conflict." In W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.), The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33-47). Monterey, CA: Brooks-Cole.
^ Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Reading/Addison-Wesley.
^ Stephan, W. G., & Stephan, C. W. (2013). An integrated threat theory of prejudice. In Reducing prejudice and discrimination, 23-45. Psychology Press.
^ Putnam, R.D. (2007), E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in the Twenty-first Century The 2006 Johan Skytte Prize Lecture. Scandinavian Political Studies, 30: 137-174. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9477.2007.00176.x

[:0-1] Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). "An integrative theory of intergroup conflict." In W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.), The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33-47). Monterey, CA: Brooks-Cole.

[:1-2] Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Reading/Addison-Wesley.

[:2-3] Stephan, W. G., & Stephan, C. W. (2013). An integrated threat theory of prejudice. In Reducing prejudice and discrimination, 23-45. Psychology Press.

[:3-4] Putnam, R.D. (2007), E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in the Twenty-first Century The 2006 Johan Skytte Prize Lecture. Scandinavian Political Studies, 30: 137-174. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9477.2007.00176.x

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