2011/04/26 by Elizabeth A. Segal · 197 citations
Health Professions · Medicine · Psychology · #Community Health and Development #Empathy and Medical Education #Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
paper · doi:10.1080/01488376.2011.564040
published in Journal of Social Service Research 37(3), 266-277 (Informa UK Limited)
crossref issued 2011/04/26 · crossref published 2011/04/26 · crossref published-print 2011/04/26 · openalex publication_date 2011/04/26 · crossref published-online 2011/04/29 · crossref created 2011/04/30 · crossref deposited 2020/06/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29 · crossref indexed 2026/08/06
A model of social empathy is described where social empathy is defined as the ability to more deeply understand people by perceiving or experiencing their life situations and as a result gain insight into structural inequalities and disparities. The three components of the model—individual empathy, contextual understanding, and social responsibility—are explored and explained. Social empathy provides a framework for more effective social policies that address disparities and support social and economic justice for all people. Social workers are well positioned to enhance social empathy, and application and suggestions for further enhancement and research are provided.