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Learning About Outgroups: The Impact of Broad Versus Deep Interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Anujit Chakraborty
  • Arkadev Ghosh
  • Matt Lowe
  • Gareth Nellis
  • Matthew Lowe

Abstract

We hypothesize that broad contact, involving brief interactions with multiple outgroup members, and deep contact, meaning longer interactions with a single outgroup member, play distinct roles in shaping intergroup relations. We set up a factory in India and recruited Hindu and Muslim men to work in pairs on joint production tasks. We randomly assigned participants to work either with the same ingroup or outgroup partner daily (deep contact), a different outgroup partner each day (broad contact), or to a control group. While deep contact strengthens social and economic ties with the outgroup partner interacted with, only broad contact reduces misperceptions about outgroup strangers. These findings align with a model in which independent sampling (observing multiple outgroup members) promotes learning about outgroups more than prolonged interaction with a single individual does. Nevertheless, neither type of contact changes behavior toward the wider outgroup.

Suggested Citation

  • Anujit Chakraborty & Arkadev Ghosh & Matt Lowe & Gareth Nellis & Matthew Lowe, 2024. "Learning About Outgroups: The Impact of Broad Versus Deep Interactions," CESifo Working Paper Series 11363, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11363
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonardo Bursztyn & Alessandra L. González & David Yanagizawa-Drott, 2020. "Misperceived Social Norms: Women Working Outside the Home in Saudi Arabia," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(10), pages 2997-3029, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    intergroup contact; social learning; religion; productivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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