Equal Status Contact Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Equal Status Contact?

Equal status contact is a type of social interaction in which individuals interact with members of other social groups in a way that promotes equality and respect. This term was first coined by William Gandy in 1978 to describe a process through which members of different racial or ethnic groups could come together and find common ground. This type of contact has been used to promote positive intergroup relations, reduce prejudice, and create more inclusive communities. It can be an effective way for people from diverse backgrounds to build understanding and trust between each other.The goal of equal status contact is for members from different racial or ethnic groups to interact on an equal footing without any power imbalance or feeling of superiority from one group over the other. This means that all participants should be treated with respect and given equal opportunities to participate in conversations, activities, etc., regardless of their race or ethnicity. The focus should not be on differences but rather on similarities between the two groups so that they can learn from each other without judgment or prejudice. Equal status contact can also help individuals understand how their own experiences may differ from others’ due to their background, providing them with a better understanding of diversity.In order for equal status contact to be successful, it must involve active participation from both sides; often times this requires communication outside of the group as well as within it so that everyone feels heard and respected. Additionally, each individual should be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives instead of remaining closed off because they feel uncomfortablethis is essential for effective dialogue among those involved in the contact process. Finally, all participants should have access to information about their respective cultures before engaging in any kind of dialogue so they are aware of potential biases they may have towards one another due to lack of knowledge or familiarity with certain customs/traditions/etc.