Dynamics of Intergroup Exposure: Novel Perspectives and Real-World Implications

Keywords: Intergroup relations, conflict, trust, cooperation, real-world implications

Abstract: Intergroup exposure is common. Insights into its implications enhance our ability to manage intergroup relations, and yet they are mixed and not well understood. Gathering recent research that takes diverse approaches, this symposium presents three novel perspectives. They illuminate moderators that may address mixed findings in the literature and suggest critical implications at different levels in the real world. On a sociological level, Eason explores how people infer others’ racial attitudes based on the target’s situational affordance for intergroup exposure. On an interpersonal level, Koch investigates effects of nuanced dimensions of perceived similarity on intergroup trust and cooperation. On a personal level, Brienza argues that individuals’ reasoning style determines the extent to which exposure to media reports of intergroup conflict would result in polarized attitudes. By unpacking the dynamic impact of intergroup exposure, this symposium provides new theoretical and practical insights into improving intergroup relations in the real world.