What is the Bogardus Social Distance Scale?

The Bogardus Social Distance Scale is a psychological testing scale created to measure people's willingness to participate in social contacts of varying degrees of closeness with members of diverse social groups.

Who developed it and when?

Developed by Emory S. Bogardus in 1925, it was one of the first quantitative measures of social attitudes and prejudice.

What type of assessment is it?

Social attitude measurement scale using Likert-type responses about social proximity preferences.

What does it assess?

• Social Distance: Willingness to engage in close social relationships
• Prejudice Levels: Implicit and explicit bias toward different groups
• Intergroup Attitudes: Acceptance and tolerance levels
• Social Proximity Comfort: Comfort with various levels of social contact

How many items and what format?

28 items (4 social groups × 7 social distance levels) rated on acceptability of social contact.

How is it scored?

Lower scores indicate greater social distance/prejudice, while higher scores indicate greater acceptance and willingness for social contact.