Intergroup contact in small cities

This paper explores the nature of intergroup contact in small cities. The attitudes of the larger community (predominantly white) towards three newly arrived minority groups are examined. The three minority groups are Cambodians, Hispanics, and Portuguese. The effects of intergroup contact on the community attitudes are also measured. The results indicate that increased contact has positive effects (more tolerance) on the community attitudes towards both the Cambodians and the Portuguese. An increase in contact, however, does not appreciably alter community attitudes towards Hispanics. Some possible explanations for these discrepant results are discussed.