There has been growing interest in the role that narratives play in promoting understanding and acceptance of queer individuals. Narrative-based approaches to education have been used to educate people about topics such as race, gender, and disability, and they are increasingly being applied to LGBTQ+ issues. One approach involves using stories and personal accounts to humanize the experiences of queer individuals, highlighting their commonalities with non-queer peers and showing how they contribute positively to society. This type of education can lead to increased empathy for queer individuals and improved behavior toward them.
Fact-based education focuses on providing information about queer identities and experiences without using narrative techniques. It often relies on dry statistics and academic jargon, which can make it difficult for learners to connect with the material. Some research suggests that this approach may be less effective than narrative-based education when it comes to fostering empathy and changing attitudes toward queer individuals.
One study found that students who received a mix of factual information and narratives showed greater improvements in attitudes toward queer individuals than those who received only facts.
There is still much debate surrounding the relative effectiveness of these two types of interventions. Some argue that fact-based education is more efficient because it provides accurate information, while others maintain that narratives are more engaging and memorable.
Some research suggests that narratives may be especially important for reaching audiences who have preexisting negative attitudes towards queer individuals.
Both narrative-based and fact-based approaches to education have merits and drawbacks, and further research is needed to determine the best way to promote understanding and acceptance of queer people.
Given the potential benefits of narrative-based interventions, educators should consider incorporating stories and personal accounts into their curricula whenever possible.
How do narrative-based interventions impact empathy and behavior toward queer individuals compared to fact-based education?
The study found that narrative-based intervention increased participants' empathy for queer individuals and resulted in more positive behaviors towards them compared to fact-based education. This indicates that personalized stories about real life experiences of queer people can help change attitudes and beliefs about their identities and reduce prejudice. Narrative-based intervention has been shown to create emotional connections between the audience and the characters in the story, which may lead to greater understanding and acceptance.