Expedition Empathy
Beyond Pity, Into Understanding Poverty
Dare to Explore Beyond the Surface
Outdated perceptions of poverty often hinder the capacity to drive genuine, impactful change. This insightful ±3 hour course invites you on an intellectual expedition to challenge ingrained assumptions, expand your understanding, and cultivate deep cognitive empathy for the daily struggles and triumphs of those navigating significant resource scarcity.
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Move beyond simplistic judgments and embrace the complex, research-backed truths of how poverty deeply shapes human judgment and decision-making, with a focus on the context of Romania.
Your Expedition Outcomes: What You Will Uncover
Shatter Pervasive Myths
Resolutely dismantle pervasive stereotypes and misconceptions about poverty, particularly the "poor are lazy" narrative.
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Unravel Poverty's Cognitive Grip
Grasp how relentless scarcity constricts cognitive processes like planning and self-control (the "scarcity mind-set").
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Expose Systemic Factors
Illuminate the structural and economic factors contributing to the "high cost of poverty."
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Champion Resilience
Witness the often-overlooked entrepreneurial spirit and indomitable resilience of the poor.
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Grasp Local Realities
Comprehend the acute challenges faced by poor individuals in Romania, including immigrant workers.
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Forge Profound Empathy
Forge a more empathetic and evidence-based perspective on poverty and its profound implications.
Your Course Expedition:
Navigating the Landscape of Poverty
01
Introduction & Setting the Stage: The Compass for Our Journey
We begin by charting our course, defining cognitive empathy as our guiding principle. Through interactive discussion, we'll challenge initial assumptions, preparing your mind to embark on an an exploration beyond conventional wisdom.
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The Cognitive Impact of Scarcity: Mapping the Mind's Terrain
Delve into the "scarcity mindset," understanding how the relentless pressure of 'not enough' creates a "tunneling effect," severely taxing cognitive bandwidth. Discover why "discounting the future" is a rational survival strategy, and unequivocally debunk the myth of "the lazy poor."
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The Economics of Being Poor: Navigating the High-Cost Landscape
Uncover the "poverty premium"—why it's tragically expensive to be poor. Explore the volatile world of precarious revenues, from daily wages to seasonal work, and how this unpredictability makes traditional financial planning an impossible feat.
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Entrepreneurship and Risk-Taking: Discovering Hidden Strengths
Witness the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit born of necessity among the poor. We'll also examine the paradox of increased risk-taking, such as the allure of gambling, as a desperate, often heart-wrenching, bid for escape when conventional options are exhausted.
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Poverty, Addiction, and Structural Factors: Illuminating the System
Shift your perspective on addiction, understanding it as a coping mechanism intertwined with the crushing weight of chronic stress and systemic lack of opportunity. Critically examine the systemic structural inequalities—from regional disparities to discrimination—that perpetuate cycles of poverty, particularly in Romania.
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Conclusion & Moving Forward: Charting a Path for Change
Synthesize your transformative insights and explore how this profound understanding of cognitive empathy can inform more effective policies, social interventions, and individual interactions, fostering truly just and equitable societies.
Practicalities:
Language: ENGLISH
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#sessions: 1 (±3h)
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Date(s): 1 Nov 2025
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Time: 16:00-19:00
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Where: Online (zoom)
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Price: € 49/person
Who Will Benefit From This Course?
Expedition Empathy is designed for anyone who wishes to expand their understanding of poverty and build cognitive empathy with the poor.
Social Workers & NGO Professionals:
Those directly interacting with individuals and communities affected by poverty.
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Policymakers & Government Officials:
Individuals involved in designing and implementing social and economic policies.
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Educators & Academics:
Teachers, researchers, and students interested in social justice, economics, and human behavior.
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Business Leaders & HR Professionals:
Those whose work impacts employment, fair practices, or corporate social responsibility.
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General Public & Concerned Citizens:
Anyone seeking a deeper, more informed, and empathetic understanding of poverty's complexities.
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​Nico, a passionate advocate for social understanding and a seasoned expert in behavioral economics, brings extensive experience with diverse communities. Committed to challenging societal misconceptions, Nico offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world insight. Their engaging style fosters genuine cognitive empathy, ensuring an intellectually stimulating and profoundly human learning experience. Nico's work bridges research and practical application, empowering participants to become effective agents of change. more about Nico
"This course completely shifted my perspective. I now approach my work with a deeper understanding and far more effective strategies. Truly eye-opening!"
- Maria P., Social Worker, Romania
"I thought I understood poverty, but this course revealed layers of cognitive and systemic factors I'd never considered. A truly transformative learning experience."
- Zuzana K., Educator, Slovakia
"Supporting the Portuguese community in Luxembourg, I faced perplexing situations. This course offered the cognitive framework needed to truly grasp the underlying pressures, making my support more relevant and impactful."
- João S., Community Support, Luxembourg
Ready to Transform Your Perspective?
Join us on this vital journey to cultivate profound cognitive empathy and become a powerful agent of informed, compassionate change.