The Exploration of the Relationship between Participation in Organized Activity and Cross-Group Friendships

Abstract

Cross-group friendship is an important element in regard to reducing prejudice and increasing positive interracial interactions among young adults. In order to facilitate the formation of cross-group friendships, organized activity participation (e.g., community service and school-based extracurricular activities) may provide an environment that supports positive cross-cultural interactions and contacts. The sample used for this study consisted of 601 college students. We tested whether participation in an organized activity contributes to the formation of cross-group friendships. The results of this study indicate that community service and school-based extracurricular activities significantly contribute to the formation of cross-group friendships among young adults. The findings also suggest that a variety of organized activities should be developed and implemented to facilitate cross-group friendships. We also discuss the practical implications of these findings.

The benefits of in-group contact through physical activity involvement for health and well-being among Korean immigrants

“…Researchers have emphasized the value of intergroup contact through leisure activities for immigrants’ acculturation (Kim, 2012 ; Suh & Kim, 2011 ). These authors found that by interacting with other ethnic groups through leisure activities, immigrants established and developed a sense of friendship and gained cultural knowledge, which improved cultural and ethnic understandings.…”

Serious engagement in sport and health benefits among Korean immigrants in the USA

“…Because of cultural identity and pride, Kim et al ( 2014 ) also found that participation in activities with in-group members served as a motivator for leisure participation. However, other studies have emphasized the value of leisure engagement with other ethnic groups (i.e., out-groups) to facilitate acculturation, as well as improved cultural and ethnic understanding among immigrants (Kim, 2012 ; Suh & Kim, 2011 ).…”

Cultural Understanding and Personal Growth Through Taekwondo as Cross-Cultural Activity

“…Some researchers suggested the idea that leisure may provide a context to which to foster positive intergroup contacts and interactions (Cameron, Rutland, Brown, & Douch, 2006; Edginton, Jordan, DeGraaf, & Edginton, 1995). For example, using a sample of college students, Suh and Kim (2011) explored the relationship between organized activities (e.g., community-based activities and school-based extracurricular activities) and cross-group friendships. This study suggests that organized activities provided an environment that supports positive cross-cultural interactions and contacts.…”