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 between members of different social groups are experienced, their effects on individuals and societies, and how they might be best facilitated through field interventions. We also investigate how social relations are experienced ‘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. Additionally, we 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.
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 contexts?
- What are the short and long term effects of intergroup contact on outcomes including and beyond prejudice reduction, for individuals and for societies at large?
- What factors influence individuals’ willingness to engage in interactions with people from different social groups?
- How do social attitudes, everyday experiences and moral judgments shape individuals’ willingness to reconcile across group lines?
- What factors encourage individuals to engage in prosocial and collective actions to promote stronger intergroup relations?
- What role does social media play in either amplifying intergroup division or facilitating connection and understanding between groups?
- How can research–practice partnerships support the development of scalable, evidence-based interventions that improve intergroup relations in real-world settings?
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
