Does novel reading inculcate egalitarian ideas? by Shivani Subramaniam

2024-03-25 10:45:07 UTC

The unequal conditions in the story may arouse readers' empathy, stand in the protognist's shoes.

2024-03-25 10:45:58 UTC

Yes, it does. Narrative fiction does have such power to alter people’s thoughts or beliefs for the good part, but I believe there is also the “dark side of the Force”. It depends on the how literary works represents their ideas, good or “bad”; it can also be attributed to the individualized disposition for empathy, which varies in readers.

2024-03-25 10:49:09 UTC

It can, but there are a couple of factors and variables that can influence a reader to develop such ideals, such as 1) cultural disposition, 2) reading practices. If a reader possesses, prior to reading, a cultural disposition that rejects egalitarianism, and the novel presents a similar idea, they may in fact be disinclined to lean towards said egalitarian ideas. For the second, if readers engage with novels in a detached and superficial manner, that prevents the novel from having the ability to inculcate any ideals.

2024-03-25 10:50:21 UTC

Group Blue:

We think that the inculcation of egalitarianism could be realized when reading with empathy. It not only depends on the people’s characteristics, but also the theme of the texts. We believe more exposure to different types of novel could develop people’s empathy to some extent, especially younger generations.

2024-03-25 10:50:27 UTC

Yes, by immersing oneself in the perspectives of characters who may come from different social classes, ethnicities, genders, readers can develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others