Empathy, social values and civic behaviour among early adolescents in Ireland: Scientific report
Date
2019Author
Silke, Charlotte
Boylan, Ciara
Brady, Bernadine
Dolan, Pat
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Silke, C., Brady, B., Boylan, C., & Dolan, P. (2019). Empathy, Social Values and Civic Behaviour among Early Adolescents in Ireland: Scientific Report. Galway: UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre.
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Abstract
At an international level, there is evidence that empathy values, social
concern, and civic engagement are declining among younger generations
as a consequence of the increasing individualisation of society over recent
decades (Hylton, 2018; Gudjohnsen, 2016; Putnam, 2016; Levine & Liu,
2015; Kidd, 2013). Given the importance of empathy and related social
values to social cohesion and democracy, it can be argued that it is of
societal importance that values of empathy and care towards others be given
due attention in research and policy. To date, however, there has been little
research conducted on this topic among youth in Ireland.
This study aims to generate empirical evidence regarding the values and experiences of youth in Ireland
towards a range of issues which reflect a sense of social responsibility towards others, including an analysis of
factors that influence the development of social values and empathy. It also aims to review the degree to which
national policy and curriculum supports the promotion of such values.