The realization of positive social change and social justice involves radical modification of the existing intergroup relations structures. In contemporary society, the prevalence of social injustice can be attributed to exclusion and intolerance that characterize most intergroup relations. Therefore, altering these destructive social structures and promoting tolerance and inclusion in intergroup relations can lead to social justice and influence positive social change. Research on intergroup relations provides the basis for evaluating these destructive social structures and developing intervention measures to alter them.
For instance, intergroup relations research can inform policy changes that promote social justice. In the United States, racial prejudice and discrimination have been a significant social issue for many years. The minority groups, such as the African-Americans, have often faced exclusion and intolerance in various social situations (King Jr, 1968). Policy changes have been made over the years to reduce racial discrimination of black people. The Civil Rights Movement was at the lead to pursue social equality through policy changes. However, social psychological research has shown that an implicit form of racism is still prevalent in modern American society. The implicit racial bias can influence policy-making processes; thus, discrimination occurs at higher social levels (Saujani, 2002). Therefore, intergroup relations research can inform social psychologists on how they can collaborate with policymakers to reduce this implicit racial bias during policy making. This would promote social justice for all social groups and promote positive social change through inclusive policy changes.
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However, there are significant obstacles that may prevent intergroup relations research use to promote social change and justice. First, the presence of intergroup relations research reserves has limited the development of an integrative use of the findings to promote social change (Brewer, 1997). The research on intergroup relations is often encapsulated with minimal conceptual linkages, thus giving a limited scope on the applicability of the findings to promote social change. Secondly, social psychologists are reluctant to participate in incentives that promote social change (Brewer, 1997). A good example is when social psychological researchers fail to participate in policy-making processes. The policymakers are, therefore, left to apply the research findings (Brewer, 1997). Misapplication of intergroup relations research often occurs due to inadequate knowledge in most policymakers' on matters intergroup relations.
To improve intergroup relations in the community, I would use information acquired during the study of intergroup contact theory. Increased social contact between different social groups has been shown to reduce intergroup bias in social relations (Brewer, 1997). Using this knowledge, I would promote school-based programs that enhance intergroup contact between learners from different social classes. For instance, I would encourage team coaches to integrate learners from different social groups into their teams to improve intergroup cooperation towards realizing common goals. This will enhance the intergroup relations in the school and, by extension, in the community.
References
Brewer, M. B. (1997). The social psychology of intergroup relations: Can research inform practice?. Journal of social issues , 53 (1), 197-211.
King Jr, M. L. (1968). The role of the behavioral scientist in the civil rights movement. American Psychologist , 23 (3), 180.
Saujani, R. M. (2002). Implicit Association Test: A measure of unconscious racism in legislative decision-making. Mich. J. Race & L. , 8 , 395.
