They seek greater inter-group contact, and tend to focus on the relationships more than the issues. Interaction can come through trade, business, trade unions, professional meetings, sports and the like. Ryan argues that the idea that greater contact alone will build peace is flawed. Research shows that contact only improves attitudes when that contact is intimate, pleasant, between equals, socially supported, and in pursuit of common goals. Absent those conditions, increased contact may lead to increased hostility.
Many theorists question whether intergroup conflicts can be resolved by interpersonal contact.
When contact does lead to improved personal attitudes, the changed individuals face a re-entry problem as they return to their communities. Their new more positive attitudes toward the opponent are likely to be greeted with suspicion by their own community. Ryan argues that contact alone is not sufficient to build peace. He examines several strategies which combine contact with other elements. Contact with Forgiveness Forgiveness has been an important element of religious peace traditions.