‘Crossing the Line’: A Dynamic, Dual Pathway Model of Resegregation

ABSTRACT:

Informal patterns of spatial division often persist in historically divided societies where segregation has been officially disowned and dismantled. In this paper, I present a dual-pathway model that seeks to explain why, focusing on the desegregation-resegregation dynamic. Framing resegregation as a collective response to constructions of boundary transgression, the model highlights two interconnected pathways—spatial and psychological—that shape intergroup relations under conditions of social change, fostering the reemergence of spatial distance and division. The paper develops this argument by drawing on a 25-year research programme conducted in post-apartheid South Africa and ‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland. It also proposes an expanded integration strategy, extending the conventional prejudice reduction model of change adopted in social psychology. This aims to transform not only person-person but also person-place relations. It thus brings psychologists into closer dialogue with researchers working in companion disciplines such as human geography and urban sociology and with practitioners in fields such as urban design, public policy, and architecture.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Having grown up in Northern Ireland and South Africa, I have a particular interest in the social psychology of intergroup contact, conflict, desegregation, and re-segregation in historically divided societies. I am also a firm believer in the idea that methods and concepts must be adequate to the complexity of psychological processes as they unfold in everyday life contexts. This has led me to explore a variety of methodological and conceptual frameworks, including frameworks ‘borrowed’ from other disciplines such as linguistics, geography and sociology. It has also led me to avoid the (for me fruitless) polarization of ‘quantitative’ versus ‘qualitative’ research in social psychology.

I joined our department in June of 2011, having previously lectured at Lancaster University and the Universities of Worcester and Cape Town. Since 2009, I have also acted as Editor (with Jolanda Jetten) of the British Journal of Social Psychology.

TO JOIN THE TALK:

This is a hybrid event.  The seminar will be held at the Seminar Room, New Radcliffe House (2nd Floor) but can also be followed on Zoom.  

You can access the Zoom link via ‘Crossing the Line’: A Dynamic, Dual Pathway Model of Resegregation - Oxford Talks or, email us at hod.office@psy.ox.ac.uk to request the zoom details