Policy and Polarisation: Empathy as a Mitigating Factor

<ns3:p>This article examines the importance of empathy in mitigating polarisation within policy. Using a systematic literature mapping approach, it identifies three key research themes: the impact of empathy on policy actors’ skills and competencies, mechanisms of understanding in policy, and a human-centric policy approach. The analysis confirms that while empathy can sometimes serve instrumental purposes, it holds substantial potential for fostering a more human-centric policy perspective. This approach prioritises individuals, advancing social justice, responsiveness, consensus-building, deliberation, and participation. The paper calls for critical research to examine the limitations of empathy in policy and initiates a broader debate on the research agenda for studying empathy in public policy.</ns3:p>