The UCI Interdisciplinary Center for the Scientific Study of Ethics and Morality presents

"Multiplying Perspectives: A Study of Targeted Narrative and Empathy Intervention with U.S. Diaspora Communities"
with Johanna Solomon, Graduate Student, Political Science

Friday, April 22, 2011
12:30-2:00 p.m.
Social Science Plaza B, Room 5250

How can relationships between communities in conflict be improved? What role does empathy play in such reconciliation? Can empathy be increased using a targeted intervention? How are diaspora communities related to protracted conflicts? Solomon's talk will evaluate the efficacy of an inter-diaspora community based conflict intervention. It will also examine theoretically Betancourt and Bateson's models of empathy development during such interventions. These models demonstrate a pathway from empathy to pro-social behavior (or lack of empathy to protracted violence) (White, 1985; 1986; 1991; Betancourt 2009; Bateson, 1995). Solomon's talk will cover the initial step toward understanding the real world impact of such interventions in the context of protracted ethnic conflict. It will examine an understudied conflict between diaspora Arab/ Muslim and Jewish diaspora communities in Orange County, CA. In her study, compared with the control group, the participant group showed higher degrees of empathetic perspective taking and situational attribution but non-significant differences in changes in prejudice and state empathy. Implications will be discussed.

For more information, please contact Sandy Cushman, scushman@uci.edu or 949-824-3344.