Abstract:

Intergroup threat can increase the negative stereotypes and prejudices, even lead to intergroup conflict and violence. This article discusses the contributing factors of intergroup threat (including individuals’ perceptions and experiences, group characteristics, social policies and regulations) and suggests some strategies to reduce intergroup threat (including changing social categorization, blurring intergroup boundaries and increasing the opportunity of intergroup contact). To provide theoretical basis for improving intergroup relations, future research will need to furnish theoretical model of intergroup threat in different social contexts and examine the mechanism that underlies the interactions of pertaining variables interactions to promote the intergroup relationship.

Key words: intergroup threat, prejudice, group attitude, social categorization, intergroup contact