The Empathy Gap and How to Close It

The empathy gap causes people to not understand mental states that are different from their current states or misjudge other people’s circumstances [1]. Closing this gap is integral to reducing social inequity – the more we understand someone else’s struggles and challenges, the more likely we are to break out of our bubble & broaden our perspective. Narrowing this gap also allows better economic, corporate and social policies to be adopted as they tend to reflect lived and diverse experiences.

But, how? How can we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes? Unless we are faced with the same challenges (be it money, family, health, etc), how can we empathise better?

In this edition, we have curated three experiences you can participate in with your family, friends and colleagues at work – each of these experiences has been designed specifically to shed light on hidden social issues and challenges such as poverty, disability, etc.

1. Spotlight on the Blind Spotlight on the Blind is an interactive programme that has been designed to share insights into the lives of those who are visually impaired. Run by facilitators who are visually impaired, expect to unpack the challenges that they face, be inspired by the tenacity that they display to overcome these challenges and most importantly, feel empowered to make Singapore a more inclusive country for them!
   

2. Poverty Sensitization Workshop “This is my Experience” is a workshop conducted by Daughters of Tomorrow to share more about the challenges of a multi-stressed individual. The facilitators task participants with choices that low-income community members often make – what would you compromise with limited resources? Sign up here to immerse yourself in this truly eye-opening experience!
   

3. Resilience Trails, Skillseed This is a community initiative where participants take walks around the Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood (in partnership with AMKFSC) led by a community member who has experienced unique challenges such as single motherhood, disability, etc. The trail's objective is to allow participants to walk in their guides’ shoes, experience their hurdles and hear their empowerment journey.

Every step goes a long way – start your empathy journey with these experiences! 2hrs of your time in exchange for a wealth of knowledge that could help you empathise better and make this world a better place for someone else. References:

[1] https://effectiviology.com/empathy-gap/

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Author: Nithya Karthikeyan