Research on the intergroup contact hypothesis has demonstrated that interactions across social groups affect individuals’ attitudes toward outgroups, and more recently their stance on outgroup-related policies. We investigate whether these interactions have an even more foundational effect of shaping individuals’ overall political ideology—deeply rooted belief systems guiding individual behavior. Our theory proposes that intergroup contact challenges the normative fit underlying in- and out-group differences, thereby influencing a core dimension of political ideology. Evidence from COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates (Study 1) and NASA’s spaceflights from 1961 to 2019 (Study 2) show that intergroup contact increases voting and donating to liberal candidates and campaigns, and this effect is stronger for minorities. Establishing this link informs organizational and political scholars about the role of social interactions in shaping political views.
