Intergroup Misunderstandings

<p>The objectives of the volume are to direct the field’s attention to the unique value of studying interactions between members of different groups and to offer the most up-to-date summaries of prominent and cutting-edge scholarship on this topic written by leading scholars in the field.</p><p>A central theme of the volume is that improvement in intergroup relationships will only be possible if social scientists simultaneously take into account both the attitudes beliefs emotions and actions of the different groups that shape the nature of intergroup relations. Understanding how members of different groups interact is critical beyond the value of understanding how majority groups behave and how minority groups respond in isolation. Indeed as the book exemplifies groups interpret their interaction differently experiencing different social realities; approach interactions with different goals; and engage each other with different and often non-compatible means or strategies. These different realities goals and strategies can produce misunderstanding suspicion and conflict even when initial intentions are positive and cooperative.</p><p>The book will be of interest to professionals and students in social psychology sociology social work education political science and conflict management as well as scholars students and practitioners interested in anti-bias education and prejudice reduction techniques and strategies.</p>