Seeing Us in Them: Social Divisions and the Politics of Group Empathy

Outgroup empathy is a powerful predisposition in politics that pushes individuals to see past social divisions and work together in complex, multicultural societies. It reveals racial/ethnic intergroup differences in this predisposition, rooted in early patterns of socialization and collective memory. It is a rational and necessary force that helps build trust and maintain stable democratic norms.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 300 pages
\n Publication date: 18 March 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Outgroup empathy is a powerful predisposition in politics that drives individuals to transcend social divisions and collaborate in complex, multicultural societies. This empathy enables people to see beyond differences and recognize shared humanity, leading to positive outcomes such as support for social justice and humanitarian causes.

Research has shown that racial/ethnic intergroup differences in outgroup empathy exist, rooted in early patterns of socialization and collective memory. For example, African Americans are strongly opposed to policies that promote border wall construction and profiling of Arabs, while Latinos are welcoming of Syrian refugees and advocate for humanitarian assistance. Similarly, some white Americans participate in marches supporting Black Lives Matter during a pandemic, and even many British citizens oppose Brexit.

While outgroup empathy may seem altruistic, it is not naïve. Rather, it is a rational and necessary force that helps build trust and maintain stable democratic norms of compromise and reciprocity. By recognizing the common humanity of others, individuals can work together to address social and political challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, outgroup empathy is a powerful force that can bridge social divides and promote positive change. By understanding the roots of racial/ethnic intergroup differences in outgroup empathy and recognizing the shared humanity of all individuals, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

\n Weight: 498g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108797849\n \n