Abstract
With its focus on the perspectives, feelings, and situations of others, empathy can be a powerful means of social inclusion. Empathy also can be a powerful means of social exclusion due to its biases and limitations. This chapter outlines the social dimensions of empathy to understand it as more than an interpersonal phenomenon and to highlight the significance of empathy for issues of diversity, social position, and inclusion. Drawing in particular upon recent work in rhetorical theory and social psychology, the chapter reviews practices for a more inclusive empathy and recognizes the effects of biases. It concludes with comments on the potential of extending empathy through intentional practice and reflection.
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Leake, E. (2022). The Empathy Framework and Social Inclusion. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Social Inclusion. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89594-5_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89594-5_11
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