intergroup relations

Societal institutions and activities that involve and seek to enhance operation and mutual respect between various identifiable sectors in the population, especially ethnic, racial, religious, geographic, socioeconomic, and other kinds of groups. These activities are also known as "race relations," "interreligious relations," and "intercultural education." Social work specialists often engage in intergroup activities in which they seek to remove or reduce the barriers, different priorities, and misunderstandings that exist between groups. Among the national organizations involved in intergroup relations are the National Conference of Christians and Jews, American Friends Service Committee, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).