Abstract
M.Ed. (Multicultural Education)
With the emphasis of segregation, alienation between population groups in South Africa has come into being. The school thus has a duty as regards the child's civic development and can play a roll in counteracting such alienation between
population groups. Education means, amongst other things, to guide pupils towards social interaction and better intergroup relationships. To successfully incorporate social interaction and better intergroup relationships into our multi-cultural society, a better concept regarding individual and cultural differences is necessary. The lack of intergroup contact and the existence of prejudices and stereotypes, especially among juveniles necessitate pilot surveys to establish strategies for changing and counteracting negative and racist attitudes. A great deal of literature indicates that stereotypes and prejudices can be changed by refining information regarding the stereotypes and prejudices. As such, the contact hypothesis is one of the methods
employed to bring about these changes. The information which is obtained from other groups and individuals, may be used to change stereotypes and prejudices. However, inter group contact alone is not sufficient to improve inter group relationships and stereotypes and counter prejudices permanently. Consequently, in this short study, research has been initiated as to the possibility of breaking down and counteracting prejudice and stereotypes by issuing direct and indirect instruction on maintained negative attitudes, usages and habits. Group discussions were held to provide
more information on the cultural customs of two groups, and roll-play was employed to promote better mutual understanding. Intergroup contact was arranged between pupils of a black primary school and a white primary school. During the visits the pupils acted according to a preset programme. Before any contact or instruction took place, a pre-test in the form of a semantic differentiated scale was conducted to determine the groups' prejudices and stereotypes. At the conclusion of all activities, this assessment was once ageing made with both groups and any change of attitude could be
determined. Although stereotypes offered resistance, a clear modification took constant place in the pupils' prejudices and stereotypes. The teaching strategies employed to bring about a greater knowledge and even appreciation of other groups, helped to produce these changes.