Intergroup contact, friendship quality and political attitudes in integrated and segregated schools in Northern Ireland

摘要

Background. This study examines the effects of integrated and segregated schoolingon Northern Irish children's self-reported contact and friendship with members of theother denominational group in school and community settings. Aim. To assess the effects of cross group friendships and cross group contacts inschool and outside school on children's political attitudes. Sample. A cross-sectional design was employed with 1732 children being assessed atthree age levels 11,12 & 14 years in eight-matched integrated, maintained (Catholic) andcontrolled (Protestant) schools. Method. Lisrel modelling was used to investigate the interrelationships among crossgroup friendship quality, cross group contacts in school and outside school andchildren's political attitudes. Results. Intergroup contact within and outside school was reported frequently inintegrated schools but only occasionally in segregated schools. Modelling revealed thatcross group contacts in school and outside school were both associated with lessextreme political attitudes. Friendship quality with cross group members had nosignificant effects on political attitudes. Conclusions. The results provide support for educating Protestants and Catholicstogether as a means of moderating attitudes and creating cross-community friendshipsin a divided society.