The human library concept is defined as a collection of "books", but instead each of these books are people presenting their own stories and unique life experiences which will inspire others who “read” and this reading will consist of a conversation on a topic that a person is interested in learning more about. Furthermore, the Human Library concept provides opportunities to connect with human books and exchange ideas. It can be presented as an open event with different topics. The aim of the Human Library is to promote respect, break stereotypes that may lead to discrimination against others, and change people’s perceptions, thoughts and behavior in a positive way creating a respectful and meaningful conversation (Abergel, 2005).
Empirical Research on the contact-based method
The Human Library mode of delivery was the best method to use in addressing stereotypes and breaking boundaries brought about by divisions amongst a group of people.
The decision was supported by a case study done in Poland, where scholars argue that the nation has shifted more towards conservativism and as a result xenophobia and prejudice have also increased (Stefaniak, Malinowska, & Witkowska, 2017). Poland is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the European Union, yet they do not get the opportunity to confront their misconceptions in real life (Eurostat, 2015). According to the Polish Prejudice Survey conducted in the year 2017, most respondents disclosed that they have never been in contact with people of another race and/or homosexuals (Stefaniak et al., 2017).
The findings of the survey, link the lack of interaction of the Polish people, with ethnic minorities and homosexuals, and discrimination, suggesting a solid tie between the two. This discrimination brings to light the issue of moral exclusion. Opotow's theory (1990), describes the phrase as the narrowing done of the scope of justice, such that the perspective in which moral conduct is expected is reduced to only certain groups of people and in certain conditions. This creates boundaries that include some groups of people and exclude others. Those who are fit are granted fair treatment while those who are not are eligible for harmful treatment and human rights violations.
Benefits of the method
Research shows that the attitude toward foreign groups of people can be changed once direct contact is made (Allport, 1954). The Allport's contact hypothesis suggests that for the method to work, dialogue needs to happen between groups of people that are presumed equal, the process must be backed up with institutional support and the process should be able to serve the interests of the two groups of people.
Further research has also suggested that the method is more impactful if supported by authorities and institutional practices (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). This backing only further emphasizes how beneficial the human library format would be in tackling segregation if the government adopted the method.
Other benefits of the contact-based method include reduction of prejudice due to information sharing, reduction of the fear of contact with foreigners and increased empathy on both sides of the participants (Pettigrew and Tropp (2008).
The human library method has been proven to not only influence participants of the event, but also other members of the society who are in contact with the participants due to word of mouth (Miller, 2002).
Lastly, the method can be beneficial to other groups of minorities who were not represented in the session, such that if ethnic minorities were the only ones present, a change in how religious minorities are treated can also be observed (Pettigrew, 1997)
Conclusion
The project can be implemented on a larger scale, with our peers. At the university level, opportunities should be put in place, where international students and local students are brought together in an attempt to make them interact and share their experiences. This will help break stereotypes, it will build a more inclusive culture at the university and as a result word will spread out to the entire Estonian community.
References
Groyecka-Bernard, Agata & Witkowska, Marta & Wróbel, Monika & Klamut, Olga & Skrodzka, Magdalena. (2019). Challenge your stereotypes! Human Library and its impact on prejudice in Poland. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. 10.1002/casp.2402.
Pettigrew, T. F., & Tropp, L. R. (2006). A meta‐analytic test of intergroup contact theory. Journal of Personality and social psychology,90(5), 751.
Statistical Office of the European Communities. (2015). EUROSTAT: Regional statistics: Reference guide. Luxembourg: Eurostat.
Stefaniak, A., Malinowska, K., & Witkowska, M. (2017). Kontakt międzygrupowy i dystans społeczny [Intergroup contact andsocial distance] in: Polish Prejudice Survey, Center for Research on Prejudice.
Opotow, S. (1990). Moral exclusion and injustice: An introduction. Journal of social issues,46(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1990.tb00268.x
Miller, N. (2002). Personalization and the promise of contact theory. Journal of Social Issues,58(2), 387–410. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-4560.00267
Pettigrew, T. F. (1997). Generalized intergroup contact effects on prejudice. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,23(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167297232006
Groyecka-Bernard, A., Witkowska, M., Wróbel, M., Klamut, O., & Skrodzka, M. 2019).Challenge your stereotypes! Human Library and its impact on prejudice in Poland. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. 10.1002/casp.2402.
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