Our work at The Linking Network is rooted in research around intergroup contact. ‘Linking’ provides opportunities for meaningful positivesocial contact.
Merely bringing children together is not enough…
Psychological research has shown that merely bringing together children from different backgrounds in a room or school is not enough to generate meaningful interactions across group lines. Over 60 years of research has identified specific conditions that are required to ensure contact between individuals from different backgrounds has a big impact, such as equal status of the groups involved, support from authority figures, the contact situations should involve activities that promote cooperation and a common goal, and there should be opportunities for individuals to form friendships. These are embedded into The Linking Network’s programmes.
We are delighted that Dr Lindsey Cameron, Associate Professor, Psychology Department, University of Kent is Researcher in Residence with us at The Linking Network and is providing us with research insights into our work. Read more about Dr Lindsey Cameron here.
As researcher in residence, Dr Lindsey Cameron has produced a number of resources to guide the Linking Process and support our work. Take a look at the resources below.
Research underpinning the Linking Process
Over 70 years of research explores the key conditions needed if contact between different groups is to have its desired effect of reducing prejudice. Dr Lindsey Cameron outlines features of Schools Linking which supports this.
Children’s Intergroup Attitudes: The Role of Families
A powerpoint looking at the role of families in cultivating confidence in contact and positive intergroup attitudes as well as the bi-directional impact of children and families upon one another.
In this webinar, Dr Lindsey Cameron explains what factors can contribute to negative experiences when engaging in intergroup contact, how to minimize these and counteract them.
A course from the University of Kent. Discover what gender stereotypes are, why they are important and how to challenge them and the role played by parents, peers and the media in their development.
“Research tells us that social mixing, that is meaningful interactions across lines of difference, is the most effective prejudice-reduction strategy available and provides a strong foundation for resilient, inclusive communities.”
Broadwood et al., (2021)
Resource Access
To access this resource, please enter your email address. This is collected so that we know who is accessing our resources and we can therefore tailor newly created resources around your needs.
