Social awareness revolves around the evolved emotional quotient of a person. Social awareness ingrains qualities of tolerance, patience, empathy, forgiveness, humanity and caring among persons. College students are chasing a goal, from semester to semester and preparing for a competitive job market. This can be intimidating and cause them to withdraw from society or become self-centred and non-functional in a social setting. Social-emotional awareness awareness enables students to deal with challenges, it gives them confidence in finding their place in the world and cultivating healthy relationships. Soft skills are important to succeed professionally and have a stable personal life. This comes with social awareness.
Let us start by answering the question - “what is social awareness?”
“It is the ability to understand the perspective and empathise with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”
It reflects in the individual’s ability to understand social, ethical and behavioural norms in society, among family and friends, and in a formal or informal setup. While building social awareness, we learn to critique and redress issues of privilege and bias in their various forms such as sexism, ableism, ageism, racism, heteronormative stereotypes etc.
In their late teens to early twenties, College Students are at an impressionable stage. They come pre-conditioned by the social environment they have grown up in, which may or may not have instilled in them cultural dogmas or dated ideas of patriarchy, casteism, or classism. In college, their immediate peer group and the college’s practices can instil in them a fresh outlook that will help them function better in an evolving society and even prepare them to challenge dated norms.
We can broadly categorise social awareness to understand what it encompasses. The examples to understand these social awareness forms meaning are -
Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds, traditions, and practices.
Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and understanding one's own emotions and those of others, which is crucial for effective communication and empathy.
Economic Awareness: Being informed about economic systems, inequalities, and issues affecting communities, such as poverty and unemployment.
Environmental Awareness: Understanding ecological issues and the impact of human activity on the environment, promoting sustainability and conservation.
Political Awareness: Being knowledgeable about political systems, policies, and the implications of legislation on society.
Social Justice Awareness: Understanding issues related to equity, discrimination, and human rights, advocating for marginalized communities.
Global Awareness: Recognizing global issues such as climate change, migration, and international relations, and understanding their local impacts.
Media Literacy: The ability to critically analyze media content, understanding bias, representation, and the influence of media on public perception.
Premiere institutions such as IIT, MIT and CalTech are creating social awareness projects to help students cultivate strong emotional quotients. Students are taking up projects revolving around social awareness topics to create technological solutions for real problems such as building ergonomic spaces for children and the aged. Students of fine arts or Humanities are finding avenues by creating campaigns for social media awareness that tackle bullying, discrimination, body shaming and more.
By introducing non-technical initiatives such as cultural programmes, drama clubs, special diversity days and more, students are given platforms to express their ideas and learn more about diversity. With events such as debates, stand-up comedy, street plays, social awareness drawing and poetry slams, students can find progressive ways to introduce new ideas.
Students are constantly engaging with new ideologies and evolving social landscape through the internet. The immediate social group has a greater influence on a person’s awareness. So, the onus of ensuring social awareness development falls on the institutions too. They can create opportunities for greater social engagement among the students and signify to them the importance of social preparedness in the long term. Special skill development programmes such as communication and leadership, mindfulness programmes for meditation, or participation in community service must be encouraged, made available and rewarded.
Diversity is an apparent situation and college students are in a position where their career and life can lead them away from the familiar spaces they have lived in. These spaces are also evolving with new entrants who come with their ideas. So, it helps the students and society if they broaden their perspective and cultivate a tolerant mindset.
Social awareness plays a crucial role in fostering a compassionate and equitable society. Here are some key aspects of its importance:
Social awareness enables individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. This empathy helps build connections, promoting supportive relationships and a sense of community.
Awareness of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences encourages inclusivity. It helps individuals appreciate diversity and fosters environments where all voices are valued and respected.
Socially aware individuals are more likely to participate in community activities, volunteer efforts, and local governance. This active engagement strengthens community bonds and promotes collective problem-solving.
An informed and socially aware populace can drive social change. Awareness of social issues empowers individuals to advocate for justice, challenge inequalities, and influence policies that promote the common good.
Engaging with social issues and helping others can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Acts of kindness and community involvement can boost mental well-being and resilience.
Social awareness promotes critical thinking about societal norms and issues. It encourages individuals to question stereotypes, challenge biases, and seek deeper understanding rather than accepting the status quo.
Understanding the social context of others’ experiences fosters better communication and relationships. It creates an environment of trust and respect, which is essential for collaboration and teamwork.
Increased social awareness brings attention to the struggles faced by marginalized groups. This can lead to greater support for initiatives aimed at equity and justice, amplifying their voices.
A socially aware populace is better equipped to engage in civic duties, such as voting and community organizing. Informed citizens can make better decisions that reflect their values and the needs of society.
