Despite Our Different Social Identities, We Can Co-Exist: Intergroup Positive and Negative Contact

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the positive and negative contact experiences among the university students with different social identity categories living in the same dormitory room. The research was designed as a qualitative study utilizing phenomenological approach. A total of 45 students, who identified themselves as Turkish (22) and Kurdish (23) in terms of ethnic and cultural sub-identities were interviewed and qualitative data were collected. In the study, semi-structured interview technique was used to collect data. In the analysis of qualitative data, data reduction, data display and outcome verification steps were followed. The results of the study revealed that the students sharing the same dorm room were generally satisfied with their interactions and had frequent contact. It was also determined that the students were able to get help from each other to a large extent and as much as they could. However, it was ascertained that students refrained from discussing political issues on social identity. It was concluded that, depending on the quality of contact between groups, prejudice between the groups gradually decreased, and in close friendships the human identity and personal characteristics were taken as reference. In addition, it was also observed that as contact between groups becomes negative, social identities become more visible and pronounced. It was determined that a significant number of students were not disturbed by each other in their interactions and did not feel any anxiety. Students began to feel uncomfortable and anxious when political issues based on personal characteristics and social identities were discussed. It was stressed, albeit not as strongly, that students' social identity-based prejudice transformed positively as a result of the frequency and quality of increased social contact.

Keywords

• Cross-group friendship,intergroup contact,positive contact,negative contact

Farklı Sosyal Kimliklerimize Rağmen, Aynı Yurt Odasını Paylaşabiliriz: Gruplararası Olumlu ve Olumsuz Temas

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, yurtlarda aynı odada kalan, farklı sosyal kimlik kategorilerine sahip üniversite öğrencileri arasında yaşanan, gruplararası olumlu ve olumsuz temas deneyimlerini derinlemesine incelemektir. Araştırma nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından fenomenolojik çalışma olarak kurgulanmıştır. Araştırma, öğrenciler ile yüz yüze görüşme yapılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kendini etnik ve kültürel alt kimlik olarak Türk (22) ve Kürt (23) olarak tanımlayan toplam 45 öğrenci ile yüz yüze derinlemesine görüşülerek nitel veriler toplanmıştır. Araştırmada veri toplamak için yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Nitel verilerin analizinde sırası ile veri azaltımı, veri gösterimi ve sonuç çıkarma aşamaları izlenmiştir. Araştırmanın sonucunda, aynı yurt odasını paylaşan öğrencilerin genellikle etkileşimlerinden memnun oldukları ve sıklıkla temas kurdukları saptanmıştır. Öğrencilerin, birbirlerinden büyük ölçüde ve ellerinden geldiği sürece yardım alabildikleri saptanmıştır. Bununla birlikte sosyal kimlik temelli siyasi ve politik konulara girmekten imtina edildiği belirlenmiştir. Gruplararası temas kalitesine bağlı olarak, gruplararası önyargıların zamanla azaldığı, yakın arkadaşlıklarda, birbirlerini sosyal kimliklerin ötesine geçerek, insan üst kimliği ve kişisel özellikler referans alınarak algıladıkları saptanmıştır. Ayrıca, gruplararası temas olumsuzlaşmaya başladıkça sosyal kimliklerin daha görünür olmaya ve algılanmaya başladığı belirlenmiştir. Öğrencilerin önemli bir kısmının etkileşimlerinde birbirlerinden rahatsız olmadıkları ve kendilerini kaygılı hissetmedikleri saptanmıştır. Öğrencilerin, kişisel ve sosyal kimlik temelli siyasi-politik konular konuşulmaya başlandığında, kendilerini rahatsız ve kaygılı hissettikleri belirlenmiştir. Az değinilmesine rağmen artan temas sıklığına ve kalitesine bağlı olarak öğrencilerin sosyal kimlik temelli önyargılarında olumlu dönüşüm gerçekleştiği bulunmuştur.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Gruplararası arkadaşlık,gruplararası temas,olumlu temas,olumsuz temas

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