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Ethnocultural Empathy in A Pluralistic Society: Inter-ethnic Relationships of Javanese and Chinese Children in Surakarta
Abstract
Objective:
The present qualitative research described the ethnocultural empathy existing between Javanese and Chinese children in a pluralistic population.
Materials and Methods:
Data was collected using focus group discussions and oral interviews. Sixteen students (boys and girls) of multi-ethnic schools in Surakarta of Indonesia participated in the present study.
Results:
Results indicated that (1) participants acknowledged that they had to feel what other people felt, and it is the beginning of ethnocultural empathy; (2) participants who had interaction-experiences with those from different backgrounds seemed to have high levels of ethnocultural empathy; and (3) at school, both ethnic groups were taught to respect each other’s culture.
Conclusion:
The present study indicated that empathy had a strategic role in building social strength. Using empathy, each group understood and felt conditions of other groups.
