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Social Empathy: The Art of Understanding Others
Our ability to understand others and help others understand us is essential to our individual and collective well-being. Yet there are many barriers that keep us from walking in the shoes of fear, skepticism, and power structures that separate us from those outside our narrow groups. To progress in a multicultural world and ensure our common good, we need to overcome these obstacles. Our best hope can be found in the skill of empathy.In Social Empathy, Elizabeth A. Segal explains how we can develop our ability to understand one another and have compassion toward different social groups. When we are socially empathic, we not only imagine what it is like to be another person, but we consider their social, economic, and political circumstances and what shaped them. Segal explains the evolutionary and learned components of interpersonal and social empathy, including neurobiological factors and the role of social structures. Ultimately, empathy is not only a part of interpersonal it is fundamental to interactions between different social groups and can be a way to bridge diverse people and communities. A clear and useful explanation of an often misunderstood concept, Social Empathy brings together sociology, psychology, social work, and cognitive neuroscience to illustrate how to become better advocates for justice.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 5, 2018
What a great read! I’ve been interested in the topic of social empathy since becoming a mediator years ago.
The book, Social Empathy, explores not only our ability to understand each other but also to understand the barriers that exist when trying to do so. This book illuminates the progress that can be achieved and obstacles that can be broken down when exercising an empathetic skill-set.
As the description states “…..Social Empathy brings together sociology, psychology, social work, and cognitive neuroscience to illustrate how to become better advocates for justice.” These topics orbit my profession as a mediator and I’ve always thought that these disciplines complimented one another in a unique way as it is spelled out in this book. The following topics are discussed throughout: 1.) what is empathy and why do we need it; 2.) why is empathy difficult for some more than others; 3.) is there empathy in technology, religion, power and politics; and 4.) how to teach social empathy. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm planning to add it to the list of required reading for my Basic Mediation Training course.
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The book, Social Empathy, explores not only our ability to understand each other but also to understand the barriers that exist when trying to do so. This book illuminates the progress that can be achieved and obstacles that can be broken down when exercising an empathetic skill-set.
As the description states “…..Social Empathy brings together sociology, psychology, social work, and cognitive neuroscience to illustrate how to become better advocates for justice.” These topics orbit my profession as a mediator and I’ve always thought that these disciplines complimented one another in a unique way as it is spelled out in this book. The following topics are discussed throughout: 1.) what is empathy and why do we need it; 2.) why is empathy difficult for some more than others; 3.) is there empathy in technology, religion, power and politics; and 4.) how to teach social empathy. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm planning to add it to the list of required reading for my Basic Mediation Training course.
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 11, 2018
This is an incredibly informed and diverse book on the nature and components of empathy, from interpersonal to social. It provides perspectives from psychology, neurophysiology, sociology, history, and the field of social work and its politics. It really has everything, and it is deeply professional and literature-aware.
I had been looking for books on narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy to catch up on the literature. I hadn’t looked with any depth since the 90’s when I last dived into the origins of abuse and its manifestations. But I was finding a lot of really poor, self-help books until I hit this.
What I really appreciated most about this book was that it had such a wide reach across disciplines, which is so necessary in defining social empathy and its effect on institutional inequalities, and that it was so well documented that I could find easily many leads in the literature. This was scholarly and deep.
And it touched on popular sources as well. And not in a way I expected. It quoted Pinker and Harris, two of the leading figures in our modern shift away from empathy and champions of the rising white nationalism. And she didn’t take the easy path and attack their Islamophobic bigotry or their promotion of racialist reductionism. She quoted them for the few things they get right. And that’s hard. That takes empathy. It was central to the book, but it was the kind of connecting of pieces that may end up being crucial in this age of rising abuse and polarization.
I appreciated this book.
I had been looking for books on narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy to catch up on the literature. I hadn’t looked with any depth since the 90’s when I last dived into the origins of abuse and its manifestations. But I was finding a lot of really poor, self-help books until I hit this.
What I really appreciated most about this book was that it had such a wide reach across disciplines, which is so necessary in defining social empathy and its effect on institutional inequalities, and that it was so well documented that I could find easily many leads in the literature. This was scholarly and deep.
And it touched on popular sources as well. And not in a way I expected. It quoted Pinker and Harris, two of the leading figures in our modern shift away from empathy and champions of the rising white nationalism. And she didn’t take the easy path and attack their Islamophobic bigotry or their promotion of racialist reductionism. She quoted them for the few things they get right. And that’s hard. That takes empathy. It was central to the book, but it was the kind of connecting of pieces that may end up being crucial in this age of rising abuse and polarization.
I appreciated this book.
September 19, 2018
This book reads like a text book so if you like reading information from a text book dealing with sociology and Psychology this is a must pick up and read. Elizabeth Segal has years and years of studies and information she pours out to readers. The author has the ability for open discussion with a group or as individuals. Many questions are present to readers Starting with What is Social Empathy and Why do we need it?
Elizabeth A Segal explains in detail the need for Social Empathy and what is happening right now could effect the future on many different levels.
The author dives into the levels of where Social Empathy is lacking and where it is strong.
This is a must read text book for those in the field of Sociology, and Psychology as well as those looking into a way to better connect and understand the world around them.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for The advance copy of Elizabeth A. Segal's Social Empathy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: October 16th 2018 by Columbia University Press
Elizabeth A Segal explains in detail the need for Social Empathy and what is happening right now could effect the future on many different levels.
The author dives into the levels of where Social Empathy is lacking and where it is strong.
This is a must read text book for those in the field of Sociology, and Psychology as well as those looking into a way to better connect and understand the world around them.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for The advance copy of Elizabeth A. Segal's Social Empathy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: October 16th 2018 by Columbia University Press
March 28, 2021
I think this book a really valuable resource for people attempting to understand social empathy. She explains all of her ideas in a way that was very interesting and engaging for me at least. She also used a lot of examples to help explain some more complicated ideas. I have zero background in social work or sociology and I still followed and learned from this book. I would highly recommend it!
That being said, I rated slightly lower because she makes some points that seemed kind of misinformed to me. As an example, she used a quote that said (paraphrasing) “if you want to live longer, don’t be poor” without immediately addressing that being poor is not a choice, and she affirmed that all people have been granted the right to vote without acknowledging that this is by and large not at all true. There are points like these throughout. I would still recommend reading this because her assertions on social empathy (I believe) are highly valuable, but some of her examples are lacking the full context of the issue.
That being said, I rated slightly lower because she makes some points that seemed kind of misinformed to me. As an example, she used a quote that said (paraphrasing) “if you want to live longer, don’t be poor” without immediately addressing that being poor is not a choice, and she affirmed that all people have been granted the right to vote without acknowledging that this is by and large not at all true. There are points like these throughout. I would still recommend reading this because her assertions on social empathy (I believe) are highly valuable, but some of her examples are lacking the full context of the issue.
August 14, 2023
This book was so insightful and thoughtful and something I would have never picked up normally but I am glad I did. I loved how scientific this book was sitting different studies done on empathy and this book was written by a university professor so she had plenty of experiences to back up what she said and if she didn't she used studies. I really liked the way she presented the book and due to the main topics covered being empathy in our everyday lives it was a little outdated in some of the examples but overall it was really good. I would not recommend this book to someone who is new or just starting to read nonfiction because it is a pretty hard book but if you want a challenge or are used to books with a more specific writing style then I would definitely recommend this book.
October 16, 2018
Social Empathy: The Art of Understanding Others by Elizabeth Segal is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early October.
A multidisciplinary look at empathy and more emotive, compared to the other empathy book that I read two months ago (Empathy by Susan Lanzoni), mainly because it goes beyond the what and why of implementing empathy one on one or within a group into the things it has in common with cooperation and sympathy, using it for social survival, the unsteady balance between having both power and empathy, the use of it in/between organized religions, and the benefits & drawbacks to offering empathy in a social environment.
A multidisciplinary look at empathy and more emotive, compared to the other empathy book that I read two months ago (Empathy by Susan Lanzoni), mainly because it goes beyond the what and why of implementing empathy one on one or within a group into the things it has in common with cooperation and sympathy, using it for social survival, the unsteady balance between having both power and empathy, the use of it in/between organized religions, and the benefits & drawbacks to offering empathy in a social environment.
December 9, 2018
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 12/9, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet. You can find me at http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1 or search for me on Google for many more reviews and recommendations.
January 4, 2019
This book was a Best of the Best for the month of January, 2019, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet. http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1...
November 23, 2023
An important narrative with research to back it. Relevant with helpful illustrative case studies.
July 12, 2019
I loved this book. It does a great job of looking at the subject of social empathy through the lens of psychology, sociology, cognitive neuroscience. It examines the different components of empathy and the barriers that we face in being able to put ourselves into someone else’s shoes. It also looks at what makes it easier for some people to be empathetic while others struggle.
The author also managed to look at several controversial issues and give respect to the people taking positions that she disagreed with and point out where they were correct and respectfully where they were wrong. That not only takes empathy, it also takes academic honesty. This is something that is increasingly rare.
If you are looking for a self-help book, this is not the book for you. If however, you are looking for a book that takes an in-depth academic look at empathy, this is the perfect book and books like this on the subject are very difficult to find. This is a gem.
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The author also managed to look at several controversial issues and give respect to the people taking positions that she disagreed with and point out where they were correct and respectfully where they were wrong. That not only takes empathy, it also takes academic honesty. This is something that is increasingly rare.
If you are looking for a self-help book, this is not the book for you. If however, you are looking for a book that takes an in-depth academic look at empathy, this is the perfect book and books like this on the subject are very difficult to find. This is a gem.
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 2, 2023
I haven't read a textbook type book in years, but this was an interesting read from Elizabeth Segal. She takes her years as a teacher and experience into this book on social empathy. I think this is an interesting read and pertinent to the social political climate right now.
It really did make you empathic to people of other social, racial and economic norms.
If you enjoy reading about psychology or sociology, you will enjoy this book.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
It really did make you empathic to people of other social, racial and economic norms.
If you enjoy reading about psychology or sociology, you will enjoy this book.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
September 19, 2018
This book reads like a text book so if you like reading information from a text book dealing with sociology and Psychology this is a must pick up and read. Elizabeth Segal has years and years of studies and information she pours out to readers. The author has the ability for open discussion with a group or as individuals. Many questions are present to readers Starting with What is Social Empathy and Why do we need it?
Elizabeth A Segal explains in detail the need for Social Empathy and what is happening right now could effect the future on many different levels.
The author dives into the levels of where Social Empathy is lacking and where it is strong.
This is a must read text book for those in the field of Sociology, and Psychology as well as those looking into a way to better connect and understand the world around them.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for The advance copy of Elizabeth A. Segal's Social Empathy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: October 16th 2018 by Columbia University Press
Elizabeth A Segal explains in detail the need for Social Empathy and what is happening right now could effect the future on many different levels.
The author dives into the levels of where Social Empathy is lacking and where it is strong.
This is a must read text book for those in the field of Sociology, and Psychology as well as those looking into a way to better connect and understand the world around them.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for The advance copy of Elizabeth A. Segal's Social Empathy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: October 16th 2018 by Columbia University Press
November 21, 2018
#SocialEmpathy #NetGalley
I was fortunate to read a review copy of Social Empathy. A very interesting book with insight into why and how we are social beings. Sadly not everyone that we meet in life have social empathy. This books is so interesting, giving insight into different aspects of how we are. I loved it.
I was fortunate to read a review copy of Social Empathy. A very interesting book with insight into why and how we are social beings. Sadly not everyone that we meet in life have social empathy. This books is so interesting, giving insight into different aspects of how we are. I loved it.
February 11, 2019
A complete anthology about social empathy. This book can be used with student from medical school to social studies. The book is well documented with a clear narrative.
#SocialEmpathy #NetGalley
#SocialEmpathy #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews