We have looked at how cultural differences reflect differences in behaviourial norms and how these norms are based on differences in the values that we prioritise. We now need a tool for understanding these differences. Developing empathetic skills is one way of getting to the root of the way in which another person’s different sets of values leads to certain behaviours. Empathy is not sympathy. So you can be empathetic towards people with whom you fundamentally disagree. There is a wonderful description of this here written by the guru of empathy, Roman Krznaric, about the value of developing empathy for those generally regarded as evil; in his case the oligarchs of Guatamala. This is important when dealing with people whose norms we are not willing to accept, such as gender separation of classes. We can be able to understand why that is important to certain groups of people while not accommodating it. In this case, the issue may be safety and we could perhaps ensure that safety is communicated in different ways.
Practice empathy
The first step is to develop your empathy skills as a teacher so that you can understand what is going on in your classroom.You may not have time to actively promote empathy in your students over and above the agreed curriculum of whatever subject you are teaching. However you could intentionally run your classes in an empathetic way, modelling to your students, asking them to consider how the people involved in whatever situation you are describing are feeling. Whatever you can manage in that direction is likely to reduce conflict in a mixed culture group as they get in the habit of considering the other point of view as a routine.
You will find a useful set of strategies here: http://empathy.ashoka.org/strategies#strategiesculture
The series of Empathy 101 videos here is full of interesting perspectives and tips on cultivating the skill of empathy.
Institutional implications
As you leaf through the resources, it is striking that although you can practice empathy as an individual, it is much more powerful as a tool if acting empathetically is part of the institutional culture. If your institution is keen to improve its intercultural awareness, empathy training could be part of a European Development plan as required for example to secure funding for Key Action 1 Erasmus+ funding.
Do you have any examples of the benefits of empathetic awareness? Leave them as a comment.
Image credit: Sean MacEntee