E&D JUST PUBLISHED: UON Psychology-led Special Issue on Social Cohesion Research Published on the International Day for the Elimination of Racism

 

The Journal of Social Issue, the flagship journal of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (or SPSSI), the largest society of social scientists in the world, has just published a special issue on Advances in Intergroup contact research entitled: "Transforming Society with Intergroup Contact: Current Debates, State of the Science, and Pathways to Engaging with Social Cohesion Practitioners and Policy Makers". 

In 1954, social psychologist Gordon Allport hypothesised that contact between members of opposing groups reduces prejudice and conflict in the landmark book 'The Nature of Prejudice". The special issue showcasing research on the determinants, dynamics and consequences of intergroup contact reflects research presented by 50+ international social cohesion researchers at the Newcastle SPSSI-SASP conference in April 2019; this was led by A/Prof Stefania Paolini and the help of a tireless group of UON psychology staff and research students. 

This compilation of work was published to coincide with the 2021 International Day for the Elimination of Racism on the 21st of March and Australian Harmony week. Stefania has led this collaborative project together with seven other international leaders in the area and encouraging contributions from senior and junior researchers from 18 countries and 5 continents. 

The full issue of seven core articles and five position and commentary papers is available as open access here 

Including Stefania Paolini and colleagues' Introductory paper.  

This large collaborative project has offered an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of diversity in our scientific community. In the issue’s Preface, the contributors call for a scientific community free from harassment, abuse, and dominance. The special issue contributors have signed this statement and invite colleagues to do the same here. 

Finally, we dedicate this special issue to our colleague and friend Anja Eller, who left us far too early, and to Daphne Keats, who spearheaded intercultural studies in Australasia at a time in history when women were expected to stay quiet at home.

Stefania has talked about her efforts at increasing diversity in science and reflected on Australian Multiculturalism around Harmony Day with Kia Handley at ABC Mornings. Her radio segment is between the 47 and 57 minute of the recording here.

See also her interview for Aurora, the Catholic magazine of the Dioceses of Maitland and Newcastle for the same occasion here. 

To know more about Stefania's research visit her UON profile page or email her at stefania.paolini@newcastle.edu.au