This theory contends that properly managed contact between groups can occur if four fundamental factors are present: social status, common goals, acquaintance potential, and the support of authorities, law or customs (Pettigrew 66). Social status helps to reduce prejudice and discrimination when groups work to equalize social status among themselves; in the case of Corleone and the Five Families, it is understood that each "family" has an equal controlling share of the community. Common goals help to reduce competition and allows groups to work together to attain them. Acquaintance potential helps to reduce discrimination and prejudice when groups work together to know each other on a personal basis; this helps to identify the common goals that each group, or group member are working towards. Finally, prejudice and discrimination are reduced if a group supports and defines the social norms that create equality among them; in the film, conflict is created...
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