ABSTRACT
Racial polarization is endemic in American society. It reduces the quality of life in our communities. Numerous solutions have been proposed for redressing racism, including racial dialogues. Theseprograms are predicated on the contact hypothesis, i.e., through equalstatus contact, prejudice will be reduced. The question is whether thecontact hypothesis as implemented through a racial dialogue program 64holds and racial networks can be improved among program participants. Through a combination of forced choice and open-ended questions, 72 participants were surveyed to evaluate the impact and success of the Bridges Across Racial Polarization Program®. All individuals changed racial networks. The key to program success was the group dynamic. Positive group dynamics developed through positive interpersonal connections, frequent interactions and varied activities. Racial networks and interracial interactions can be enhanced through dialogue-type programs, thereby supporting the contact hypothesis. [Article copies availablefor a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800-HAWORTH. E-mailaddress: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: < https://www.HaworthPress.com" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://www.HaworthPress.com > © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
