Empathy in life is generally seen as a good thing.  For instance, research from Aarhus University found that empathy was crucial in limiting the spread of COVID-19.  Research from the University of Geneva comes to the rather counter-intuitive finding that it isn’t anywhere near as valuable in smoothing any disagreements between supporters and opponents of immigration.

The research highlights how discussions about immigration are often antagonistic, but find that while empathy can help supporters of immigration adopt a wider perspective, similar requests made of opponents of immigration makes them more competitive towards their “adversary”.

The researchers set out to explore whether empathy might play a vital role in smoothing out the often angry conversations about immigration in recent times.  While it’s a logical hypothesis, the authors highlight previous research that has found a significant difference in our willingness to engage in empathy depending on whether we lean left or right politically.

Building empathy

The researchers created pairs consisting of supporters and opponents of immigration, but didn’t tell either party the orientation of their partner.  The pairs then worked together to solve a number of immigration-related issues, such as “When and how should immigrants be naturalised?” and: “How should benefits intended for migrants be distributed?”

The pairs were formed into three groups, the first of which (the control) was given no instructions on how to behave; the second was instructed to try and empathize with each other; while the third was instructed to try and take a wider perspective by considering the other position, thoughts and ideas.

The results suggest that while those who are pro-immigration are happy to show empathy towards their opponents, those who are anti-immigration are generally not.  Indeed, when anti-immigration supporters were asked to take a broader perspective on matters, they actually became more defensive and competitive.

“Previous research has shown that people who lean towards the right politically are less willing to adopt empathetic behaviour, and are less open to trying out new things. This needs to be taken into account if we intend to resolve conflicts and make the debate around immigration more constructive,” the researchers explain.

Empathy matters

Research from the University of Gothenburg highlights why empathy is important in matters of immigration.  It found that the risk of depression and suicide was far higher in older immigrants.

“Our results highlight the need for outreach services in healthcare, especially for older women born outside the Nordic region, and also for older men, who may also need measures to reduce their social isolation. The study indicates gender differences in factors related to suicide among people aged 75 and over, and these results may be helpful for personalized, gender-specific strategies for suicide prevention in psychiatric care, primary care and the social services,” the researchers explain.

To provide that level of care, however, one must also show a degree of empathy towards people that among chunks of society may be altogether lacking.