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3 - Integrating Critical Consciousness and Social Empathy

A New Framework to Enhance Conscientization

from Part I - Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 April 2023

By
Luke J. Rapa ,
Candice W. Bolding  and
Cari Allyn Brooks
Edited by
Luke J. Rapa  and
Erin B. Godfrey
Luke J. Rapa
Affiliation:
Clemson University, South Carolina
Erin B. Godfrey
Affiliation:
New York University
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Summary

In this chapter, we briefly introduce critical consciousness and social empathy frameworks, which have both been used to analyze and address inequitable societal conditions, structural disparities, marginalization, and oppression. We then present an integrated framework that brings the two together. After introducing the integrated critical consciousness–social empathy framework – which may elucidate one means by which critical reflection–action–motivation praxis is enhanced or augmented – we present results from an exploratory study testing the framework with data drawn from a US national sample of adults. Study results suggest social empathy may moderate associations between critical consciousness dimensions, or at least the pathway between critical reflection and critical motivation, as tested here. We conclude by considering some implications of this new framework for future research and practice.

Keywords

inequityinterpersonal empathymarginalizationmoderation effectsoppressionprivilegesystemic barriers
Type
Chapter
Information
Critical Consciousness
Expanding Theory and Measurement
 , pp. 63 - 87
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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