Exploring Sociological Perspectives on Empathy: An Analysis of the Role of Socialization Agents on Adolescent Empathy Development
Shayl R. Khatod ( Reflect Empathy, United States )
https://doi.org/10.37155/2972-4856-jei0304-9简介
Adolescence is a formative period for the development of empathy and prosocial behavior. A plethora of research focuses on the psychological elements of empathy education in adolescents; however, there is a dearth of research from other subjects, like sociology. This paper aims to explore the development of empathy through sociological perspectives by examining the socialization of empathy through adolescence. The study focuses on three main socialization agents: social media, parents, and peers. It includes both qualitative, through thematic analysis, and quantitative, through review of survey results, by analyzing qualitative survey results in which peers offered their viewpoint on the impact of each agent on empathy development within themselves and their peers. Findings from the study indicate both the impact and direction of impact on adolescent empathy development for social media, parents, and peers. The study highlights that peers have the most significant impact on empathy development, though their direction of impact is neutral due to qualitative themes like empathic reciprocation; parents had the second most significant impact on empathy development and the most positive direction of impact; and social media had the least effect and most negative direction of impact. This study aims to inform social and emotional learning curricula to promote student empathy by highlighting the most critical socialization agents in fostering empathy in youth.
关键字
Empathy; Socialization; Adolescents; Prosociality; Education; Sociology全文
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出版时间:2025-09-25
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