OxInteract: Social Interaction & Intergroup Relations
- Group Settings & Interactions
- Sociality & Social Interaction
Prof. Shelley McKeown Jones
Research Summary
Our research focuses on understanding and improving relations between groups in socially and politically divided societies. We examine how interactions and conflicts between members of different social groups are experienced, as well as their effects on individuals and societies. We also investigate the psychological, social, and contextual factors that give rise to intergroup conflict and segregation.
In addition, we examine how social relations are negotiated ‘on the ground’, including the moral judgements people make, and how these and other factors shape willingness amongst conflict groups to reconcile or motivate individuals to act pro-socially and collectively to strengthen intergroup relations. We also explore the growing role of social media in either amplifying division or promoting connection.
Our work involves both adult and youth samples in ethnically and politically divided contexts, including regions with long histories of conflict. We are committed to research-informed practice and much of our work is designed and implemented in partnership with key organisations in the field. This includes the development of scalable, evidence-based interventions.
Research questions
We use a range of methodological approaches including surveys (cross-sectional and longitudinal), experiments (field and online), GPS tracking, diaries, focus groups, interviews, and participatory techniques (e.g., photo elicitation) to answer questions such as:
- How are intergroup interactions experienced in socially and politically divided societies and what are their short and long term effects?
- How do intergroup conflicts arise and what factors contribute to their emergence and persistence?
- What psychological, social and moral processes influence individuals’ willingness to engage, reconcile and act collectively with people from different social groups?
- What role does social media play in shaping intergroup relations?
ongoing projects
Shared Spaces: The How, When, and Why of Adolescent Intergroup Interactions. PI: Shelley McKeown, Co-Is: Laura K. Taylor (University College Dublin), David Manley (University of Bristol).
BA/Leverhulme Small Grants Award
Understanding participation in ‘non-normative’ collective action: A case study of the destruction of a public statue associated with historical racism. PI: John Dixon (Open University), Co-Is: Shelley McKeown, Sofia Stathi (University of Greenwich).
BA/Leverhulme Small Grants Award
Felt understanding: promoting intergroup relations in Northern Ireland: PI: Shelley McKeown, Co-I: Andrew Livingstone (University of Exeter).
resources
Diversity Effects Project Teacher Toolkit
Classroom resources to support teaching about difference in the school classroom. Developed as part of an ESRC funded project.
RE Shared Spaces Project Teacher Toolkit
Information about the Shared Space project and the RE teacher toolkit developed for primary and secondary school teachers.
Our team
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Shelley McKeown Jones
Professor of Social Psychology
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Danielle Shore
Deputy Research Director of Clinical Psychology Training and Research
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Samuel Day
DPhil Candidate
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Emily Kubin
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Daniel Revach
DPhil Candidate
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Dominykas Ragelis
DPhil Candidate
