Contextualizing the Bogardus Social Distance Scale: A case study in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Since Park introduced the concept of social distance in 1924, a century ago, it has become a widely used framework for understanding intergroup relationships, not only in the United States but also globally. Over the years, the concept has evolved alongside the instruments used to measure it. Notably, the Bogardus Social Distance Scale (1925) remains foundational, although it has undergone numerous adaptations, including integration with Likert-type scales, to enhance its applicability across diverse contexts. However, in the Malaysian context, particularly in the state of Sabah, the scale remains limited in capturing the nuanced dynamics of ethnic and religious relationships. Studies conducted in 2007, 2008, and 2021 that applied the Bogardus scale revealed its insufficiency in reflecting local social realities. To address this gap, this study aims to enhance the applicability of the Bogardus scale by identifying culturally relevant items specific to Sabah. A qualitative synthesis of 71 academic papers was conducted, resulting in the identification of 21 additional measurement items suited to the Sabah context. Furthermore, the inclusion of a “festival” item is proposed to reflect a critical dimension of intergroup social engagement. This article presents both theoretical and practical advancements in the measurement of social distance by offering an expanded scale tailored to multicultural societies. The findings have potential applications in other pluralistic societies worldwide.