Abstract
Objective:The present qualitative research described the ethnocultural empathy existing between Javanese and Chinese children in a pluralistic population.Materials and Methods:Data was collected using focus group discussions and oral interviews. Sixteen students (boys and girls) of multi-ethnic schools in Surakarta of Indonesia participated in the present study.Results:Results indicated that (1) participants acknowledged that they had to feel what other people felt, and it is the beginning of ethnocultural empathy; (2) participants who had interaction-experiences with those from different backgrounds seemed to have high levels of ethnocultural empathy; and (3) at school, both ethnic groups were taught to respect each other’s culture.Conclusion:The present study indicated that empathy had a strategic role in building social strength. Using empathy, each group understood and felt conditions of other groups.
Highlights
Indonesia is an archipelago country which has cultural diversity
A participant mentioned that sometimes some friends called other ethnic groups friends by names of their fathers
They heard that Javanese children called Chinese children with some negative terms, and vice versa Chinese children called Javanese with some negative terms
Summary
Indonesia is an archipelago country which has cultural diversity. This diversity appears in languages, ethnic groups and religions. This may be considered as the strength of the country and needs to be preserved. It can lead to conflicts and disintegration. Diversity has triggered conflicts which had their causes in other factors such as an unfair economic system, social injustice, and politics. As some authors pointed out, such differences could induce deep psychological distrust or enmity [1], and inhibit cultural communication that in turn may lead to international misunderstanding and violence [2]. Some inter-group conflicts in Indonesia are some of the
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