“Nudging” intergroup contact: Normative social influences on intergroup contact engagement

Much research has shown that intergroup contact is associated with a reduction in prejudice. Far less attention been paid to the conditions promote contact. This explored role of normative social influence predicting engagement (total N = 1,538). Cross-sectional Study 1 found individuals’ perception descriptive levels amongst ingroup predicted their own whilst controlling for outgroup attitudes. 2 and 3 demonstrated an experimental manipulation norms promoted approach intentions, actual behaviour. Participants were more open future when they learnt high prevalence this behaviour ingroup. 4 then considered how techniques could be used not commonplace. Together, findings provide new understanding antecedents encouraging greater inclusion integration.