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This article presents 10 reasons why social network analysis, a novel but still surprisingly underused approach in social psychology, can advance the analysis of intergroup contact. Although intergroup contact has been shown to improve intergroup relations, conventional methods leave some questions unanswered regarding the underlying social mechanisms that facilitate social cohesion between different groups in increasingly diverse societies. We will therefore explain the largely unknown conceptual and methodological advantages of social network analysis for studying intergroup contact in naturally existing groups, which are likely to help contact researchers to gain a better understanding of intergroup relations and guide attempts to overcome segregation, prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup conflict.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/bjso.12195

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Soc Psychol

Publication Date

09/2017

Volume

56

Pages

609 - 617

Keywords

diversity, intergroup contact, social network analysis, Group Processes, Humans, Psychology, Social, Social Support