Intergroup contact and its effects on discriminatory attitudes Evidence from India

The contact hypothesis posits that having diverse neighbours may reduce one’s intergroup prejudice. This is difficult to test as individuals self-select into neighbourhoods. Using a slum relocation programme in India randomly assigned neighbours, I examine the effects of exposure other-caste on trust and attitudes towards members other castes. Combining administrative data housing assignment with original survey attitudes, find evidence corroborating hypothesis. Exposure more castes increases inter-caste trust, support for marriage, belief caste injustice growing. explore role friendships facilitating these favourable attitudes. findings shed light positive social groups through close proximity