Kontakt och uppfattningar om personer med utlänsk bakgrund - En fallstudie av två grundskolor i Sverige

Sammanfattning: The increased immigration in Europe over the last decades has prompt the question of integrating the immigrants, facing the problem of intolerance and xenophobic attitudes in the native population. To reduce intolerance Allport's contact hypothesis has been influencing the research field, while the group conflict theory states an explanation of the existing intolerant attitudes. Former research has examined the theories in the European countries, though only using quantitative data analyses. Focusing instead on qualitative interview study as a method, a deeper understanding of intolerance can be reached. By testing the two theories in an advantageous environment by comparing two elementary schools in Sweden with differing levels of ethnic diversity, alternative interpretations of the theories were explored. While both the contact hypothesis and group conflict theory could be found in the thoughts and opinions of students, the attitudes proved to be more complex than what previous research suggested by simply accepting or rejecting the given theories. Interviews showed that individuals can indeed contemplate both positively and negatively simultaneously by contact with foreigners. This new qualitative approach to the research field of intolerance awakens new thoughts while urges the need for more profound studies using interviews as a research method.