Social Distance Scale

The Social Distance Scale (SDS), also known as the Bogardus Scale, is a classic sociological instrument designed to measure the degree of social acceptance, prejudice, or social distance that individuals feel toward members of different ethnic, racial, or social groups. Originally developed by Emory Bogardus in 1933 and updated by researchers including Parrillo and Donoghue, the SDS assesses willingness for increasing levels of contact and intimacy with outgroup members, from casual acquaintance to family relationships. The scale is widely used in sociology, psychology, and health research to evaluate attitudes toward diversity and to track changes in intergroup relations.