THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY FOR THE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PIERRE BOURDIEU

Abstract

This study highlights the importance of empathy in the educational context, specifically about the vulnerable children. From the perspective of the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the educational structure is criticized for maintaining social inequalities along the way. Symbolic violence is highlighted as a challenge, while the empathy is seen as a tool or a mechanism that is responsible to minimize the difference between some groups. This present study was carried out with elementary school children, using interdisciplinary dynamics to promote the exchange of knowledge and perspectives as scientific method that corroborates the hypotesis. The results have indicated that empathy plays a crucial role in both personal and academic development, being a part of social capital. Therefore, it is concluded that the limits of education in a hierarchical society emphasizes the need to address social issues through educational and social projects that manage to achieve an  inclusive training.