Objective versus Subjective Aspects of Interpersonal Relations between Jews and Arabs

Research has already revealed a number of variables affecting attitude change resulting from interethnic contact. These variables are invariably defined according to objective criteria (e.g., socioeconomic status). The present study concentrated on the effects of status and treatment, objectively as well as subjectively defined and measured, on attitudes of 302 West Bank Arabs working in 13 major industrial plants in Israel. Findings indicate that objective and subjective treatment of Arab workers correlates positively with attitude change towards Israeli Jews. However, workers with higher status at the plants showed less favorable attitudes toward Israelis. Arabs who subjectively evaluated their status at the plant as high expressed more positive attitudes towards Israelis than those who evaluated their status as low. Theoretical and applied implications of the findings are discussed.