Empathy Display and Suppression among Ultra-Orthodox Male Teachers: The Influence of Culture and Religion

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to explore the meanings, regulation, and sources of male teacher empathy in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools in Israel from a cultural perspective. More specifically, the study posed three questions: (1) What are the particular meanings attached to empathy by ultra-Orthodox teachers? (2) How do ultra-Orthodox teachers regulate their empathy at work? (3) What are the cultural-social factors that affect these teachers’ constructions of teacher empathy? Based on semi-structured interviews with 12 male teachers working in the ultra-Orthodox educational system in Israel, three major themes arising in the data analysis are presented: the teachers’ meanings of empathy, empathy display and suppression, and the cultural/religious sources of the teacher empathy in the ultra-Orthodox society. Suggestions for further research on teacher empathy in religious and minority communities are provided.