Applying Intergroup Contact Theory to Social Distance Data from Ethnic Hungarians and Romanians in Romania

Abstract:

Allport’s intergroup contact theory has been used to explain how contact between members of different groups influences the level of acceptance that members of those groups hold towards members of other groups, and to guide the design of programs to increase tolerance. In this study, we examined intergroup contact and social distance data provided by ethnic Hungarians and ethnic Romanians in Romania with respect to each other and the Roma (Gypsy) minority. Hungarians and Romanians reported more contact with members of each other’s groups than with Roma. Hungarians and Romanians also reported greater social distance from Roma than from each other’s groups. These results are interpreted in terms of intergroup contact theory, with recommendations for increasing tolerance towards the Roma.