Interracial Contact and Social Change

Yancey (sociology, U. of North Texas) asks whether the controversial "contact hypothesis" has merit, and through extensive qualitative and qualitative analysis of interracial churches, families and circles of friends finds it does deserve serious consideration. He also deflates the idea that social contact with whites only makes people of color more white, noting that ethic identity remains although socioeconomic status appears to strengthen. He also finds that certain types of contact are more powerful than others and that contact seems to reduce conflict rather than create it, resulting in more whites accepting people of color as individuals. He advocates further consideration of the "contact hypothesis," including its conscious application to policies including those planning neighborhoods, but warns that contact is only part of the process of achieving equity. The result is accessible, precise, and certainly hopeful. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)