Sumedh Rao

The Open University, Psychology, Faculty Member

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I am an academic and policy researcher focused on intergroup relations, conflict and governance. As a policy-engaged social and political psychologist, I currently look at how people from different social groups, especially from different ethnic and racial groups, interact with each other. This includes how they perceive, think about, feel about, and act towards each other. My policy work contributes towards the conflict and governance programmes of governmental and international organisations.

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Papers by Sumedh Rao

The Longitudinal Effects of Intergroup Contact on Youth Attitudes Towards Ethnic Minorities and Constructive Societal Engagement

Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology , 2024

Growing empirical evidence demonstrates that intergroup contact has the potential to reap effects... more Growing empirical evidence demonstrates that intergroup contact has the potential to reap effects that go beyond prejudice reduction. Much of this evidence, however, is based on findings from cross-sectional surveys. Building on the relatively smaller body of longitudinal intergroup contact research, we conduct a three-time point survey amongst youth in Northern Ireland to determine whether frequent and good-quality interactions with ethnic minority groups are associated with later reports on: (1) attitudes towards ethnic minorities, (2) prosocial behaviour towards ethnic minorities, and (3) civic engagement. Data were collected over the period of a school year amongst youth living in Belfast (n = 420, M age; T1 = 14.9 years) and analysed using longitudinal path analyses and structural equation models in Mplus. Results demonstrate a lagged effect of higher-quality contact on more positive attitudes towards ethnic minorities over the school year. There was also a lagged effect of more frequent contact on self-reported prosocial behaviour in support of ethnic minorities. No lagged effects were observed of intergroup contact on civic engagement. Findings highlight the potential longitudinal effects of intergroup contact on attitudes and behaviours towards ethnic minorities. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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The Longitudinal Relationship Between Youth Intergroup Contact and Social Cohesion Outcomes in Two Divided Societies

European Journal of Social Psychology, 2024

Intergroup contact has long been established as a prejudice-reduction tool in divided societies, ... more Intergroup contact has long been established as a prejudice-reduction tool in divided societies, with contact being particularly effective during adolescence. A large proportion of evidence, however, draws on cross-sectional surveys or analytical approaches that do not distinguish between-and within-person effects. In the present research, we address this by exploring the potential of intergroup contact longitudinally on social cohesion-related outcomes amongst youth (aged 14-19) in Belfast (Study 1, N = 231) and Bradford (Study 2, N = 159). Measures included intergroup contact, outgroup attitudes, intergroup anxiety, outgroup empathy and outgroup prosocial behaviour across three time points. Using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models, results demonstrate between-person associations of contact with our outcomes, but limited within-person changes. Our findings demonstrate the potential and limitations of intergroup contact for social cohesion-related outcomes for youth growing up in divided societies, pointing to the need for developmental-focused future research. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

format_quoteNovel RI-CLPM approach showed significant negative relationships between contact and prejudice, without evidence of within-person changes from contact over time.format_quote

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International Journal of Intercultural Relations

International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 2024

Although numerous studies have documented the robust effect of positive intergroup contact experi... more Although numerous studies have documented the robust effect of positive intergroup contact experiences in reducing prejudice and improving positive attitudes towards outgroups, intergroup contact theory is still expanding and developing. In contribution to this expansion, the current studies tackled four caveats extending the literature on widely studied angles of intergroup contact and bringing in the contribution of novel emotional mediators in contact effects. First, we examined whether contact experiences also related to social change indicators beyond prejudice, namely, attitudes towards personal and general mixing. Secondly, we included both positive and negative forms of intergroup contact in the majority of the studies we report. Thirdly, we introduced outgroup respect and understanding as novel emotional mediators of contact effects. Finally, we investigated variations of our hypothesized path models in several intergroup contexts across 6 countries and 21 studies (total N = 12,859), a) looking at interethnic and interreligious contact among advantaged and disadvantaged groups, b) tackling different forms of contact such extended contact, close friendships, and secondary transfer effects, and c) testing for longitudinal effects. We have shown evidence that positive experiences with outgroups are positively related to pro-mixing attitudes, via increased levels of outgroup respect and also outgroup understanding, the latter being observed in inter/ethnoreligious contexts. We discuss these findings in light of other recent advancements within the larger framework of intergroup contact research.

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Grievance Redress Mechanisms in Pakistan (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1117)

New thinking on governance issues (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1092)

Integrating parliamentary and political party strengthening in sectoral programmes (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report)

Donor support of African parliaments (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 994)

Donor experience working with traditional and religious institutions

Poverty and vulnerability in DRC

Lessons Learned From Centre of Government Delivery Units

A Delivery Unit (DU) can be defined as “a small group of highly-skilled people working at the cen... more A Delivery Unit (DU) can be defined as “a small group of highly-skilled people working at the cent[re] of government who help line ministries achieve outcomes for a number of initiatives that leadership deems ‘mission critical,’ or top priority” (Kohli & Moody, 2016, p. 1). The archetypal DU is based in the executive of the national government (e.g. prime minister, president) but there are examples of DUs that operate at the sub-national level, such as at the city level (e.g. the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina), the provincial level (e.g. the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina) or at the state level (e.g. the state of Pernambuco, Brazil) (Lafuente & González, 2018; Williams et al., 2021). DUs can also be based at the ministerial or sectoral level (e.g. education level) or at the front-line level (e.g. school level) (Williams et al., 2021).

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Impact of Non-conflict Interventions on De-escalation of Conflict and Acceptance of Negotiations

There exists is a broad range of academic and grey literature that looks at non-conflict interven... more There exists is a broad range of academic and grey literature that looks at non-conflict interventions and its impact on de-escalation of conflict and reduction of violence. There seems to be little in relation to the acceptance of negotiations. Of this literature there are a few studies of high quality, that demonstrate a clear connection between the intervention and reduction in violence or conflict. This report focuses on those studies and, in particular, those related to protracted conflict and involving local actors. The report aims to Identify literature which shows how non-conflict (eg. humanitarian, environmental) interventions have impacted on the de-escalation of conflict and acceptance of negotiations with focus on contexts of protracted, multi-actor conflicts and the role of local conflict actors. It entails a detailed summary of these studies, followed by an annotated bibliography of the studies.

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Assessing seismic risk in Kenya

&amp;amp;quot;&amp;amp;quot;This report identifies literature that assesses seismic risk ... more &amp;amp;quot;&amp;amp;quot;This report identifies literature that assesses seismic risk in Kenya. In this report seismic risk, as a concept, is understood to be the product of seismic hazard (the probability of harmful seismic phenomena) and seismic vulnerability (the degree of loss from seismic phenomena). In terms of overall seismic risk, the presence of part of the East African Rift (which runs through the west of Kenya) and the Davie fracture (just south of the Mombasa), means that Kenya is vulnerable to seismic activity and related natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruption and tsunamis. Kenya faces a relatively low earthquake hazard in comparison to neighbouring countries, with hazard levels highest in the north-west and south-west regions. The cities with the greatest degree of hazard are Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Kakamega which have a medium degree of seismic hazard (see WHO 2010 for the hazard scale). Nairobi faces a low degree of hazard and Mombasa very low. Mombasa and the rest of the Kenyan coast have a modest degree of tsunami hazard. Kenya has only experienced one recorded tsunami which arose from the Indian Ocean Earthquake of 2004, the impact of which was relatively minor. According to assessments, the coast is vulnerable to 2 metre high waves and water reaching 500 metres inland. It has not been possible to estimate volcanic hazard in this helpdesk report. In terms of overall vulnerability, an earthquake in Kenya is likely to result in more economic loss than in neighbouring Somalia, but at similar levels to other neighbouring countries. In this helpdesk report it has not been possible to obtain sub-national data or finite estimates of loss resulting from seismic activity. Most key vulnerability analyses do not cite seismic activity and subsequent natural hazards as a significant concern in Kenya. These vulnerability analyses do not estimate the vulnerability of different populations to seismic-related hazards but do identify populations vulnerable to hazardous factors and humanitarian risk in general. It may be that these vulnerable groups – primarily refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and those working in agriculture – are more vulnerable to seismic hazards. Those vulnerable to conflict; flooding; and water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases may also be more vulnerable to seismic risks.&amp;amp;quot;&amp;amp;quot;

Community policing in fragile and conflict-affected states

&amp;amp;quot;Community policing is the idea of policing in partnership with community, and t... more &amp;amp;quot;Community policing is the idea of policing in partnership with community, and the strategy for implementing this partnership. Beyond this rudimentary definition, there is no common agreement on what community policing entails. Experience of various forms of community policing in different fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) have had mixed results – there have been some benefits, though the programmes have not been as transformative as hoped, and existing police culture and community relations have often been the critical impediment. Case studies from Afghanistan, Kenya and Sierra Leone identify benefits from community policing (though the contents of these programmes varied). These include: State legitimacy can be strengthened through police-community exchange. Trust can be built through community policing and undermined through police militarisation. Valuable intelligence insights can be provided from the community members to the police. Police can educate and inform the public about specific dangers. These case studies also identify challenges and lessons learned: An existing lack of accountability in the police force culture. An existing suspicion and mistrust of the police force. A blurring of lines between illegitimate vigilantism and legitimate policing acts. Senior managers do not (or cannot) take community policing seriously, at least in comparison to other needs. Community-police exchange members are not fully representative of the community. Some (e.g. Baker, 2008) consider community policing programmes in FCAS as over-ambitious because they require a radical culture change, and instead advocate just trying to get the police system working in some form. &amp;amp;quot;

Literature Review on Budget Support

Helpdesk Research Report New thinking on governance issues Question

This political economy analysis of the research-to-policy interface in Pakistan finds that the de... more This political economy analysis of the research-to-policy interface in Pakistan finds that the decentralisation of many government functions and services changed the Planning Commission's role from detailed command planning towards more indicative planning, with a focus on inclusive growth and developing human capital and infrastructure. Findings suggest that links between research and policy in Pakistan are weak due to political insecurity and volatility which prompts short-term, highly politicised decision making rather than evidence-based choices and policy. The impact of research on policy is weak in part because policy makers do not have the capacity or incentives to absorb complex analysis. Participants in this study said that donors dominate the public policy research space through funding and commissioning, but tend to have short term, project-focused priorities and do not build long-term capacity or engage with the longterm development narrative or strategy of the country. Research outlets are relatively few and highly concentrated and there are many barriers to undertaking research and to its uptake.

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Helpdesk Research Report Grievance Redress Mechanisms in Bangladesh

Identify literature on Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) used in Bangladesh. Where possible ide... more Identify literature on Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) used in Bangladesh. Where possible identify the models used, their approaches, the organisations involved and also their respective effectiveness. Contents 1. Overview 2. Grievance Redress Mechanisms in Bangladesh 3. Evaluations of Grievance Redress Mechanisms in Bangladesh 4. General lessons on Grievance Redress Mechanisms 5. Further references

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Tax reform: Topic guide

Tax reform can reduce tax evasion and avoidance, and allow for more efficient and fair tax collec... more Tax reform can reduce tax evasion and avoidance, and allow for more efficient and fair tax collection that can finance public goods and services. It can make revenue levels more sustainable, and can promote future independence from foreign aid and natural resource revenues. There is increasing recognition of taxation’s role in state-building, in addition to greater understanding of its impacts on growth and inequality. This topic guide provides an overview of the limited, but growing, evidence on tax reform in developing countries.

Problem-driven iterative approaches and wider governance reform

&amp;amp;quot;A problem-driven, iterative approach to institutional reform involves (i) solvi... more &amp;amp;quot;A problem-driven, iterative approach to institutional reform involves (i) solving defined performance problems through (ii) creating an environment amenable to experimentation, (iii) creating tight feedback loops, and (iv) engaging a broad set of actors. Such an approach has recently been termed as PDIA (problem-driven iterative adaptation), with analysis suggesting that successful institutional reforms have mostly followed PDIA principles, though these may not have been acknowledged explicitly. The PDIA approach is based on solving a particular performance problem in a specific process. It is not clear whether actors who have undertaken PDIA-type institutional reform in one instance will be better able to undertake reform in another instance, or whether they can better address more significant governance reforms (e.g. overhauling civil service or public financial management systems). This helpdesk research report looks to identify material which suggests a link. Research for this report could not find literature which specifically explores the impact of the adoption of PDIA approach in one instance on substantial, wider, long-term governance reform. Though there are now projects that explicitly include PDIA principles, these projects have not yet been evaluated. There is therefore no conclusive evidence that PDIA is more (or less) conducive to wider governance reforms. However, from past experiences and case studies, it may be possible to infer whether PDIA-type approaches have led, or could lead to, wider governance reform.&amp;amp;quot;

Lessons learned from centre of government delivery units

K4D Helpdesk Report 1150, 2022

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