Abstract: Empathy, the capacity to share and understand the emotions and thoughts of others, is profoundly shaped by cultural context. However, prevailing cross-cultural research has largely been confined to dichotomous comparisons between individualism and collectivism, leaving systematic investigations into the mechanisms within specific cultural contexts underexplored. Although the collectivism framework emphasizes interdependence and attachment to groups, it fails to fully capture the complexity and practical logic of social relations in Chinese society. In contrast, Fei Xiaotong's indigenous sociological construct, termed the “differential mode of association” (chaxu geju), offers a more precise lens for understanding the structure of social networks and the ethical norms governing interpersonal interactions in China. This study adopts this framework to examine empathy in the Chinese cultural context. The differential mode of association is a multidimensional framework that encompassing both “intimacy-distance” (qin-shu) and “hierarchy-status” (zun-bei). From this perspective, the Western concept of empathy encounters dual challenges in the Chinese context. On the dimension of intimacy-distance, the tendency toward self-other fusion in Chinese social relations conflicts with the clear self-other boundary that Western models of empathy presuppose. On the dimension of hierarchy-status, the Confucian emphasis on status order and moral obligations constrains the development of egalitarian empathy. These tensions underscore fundamental differences in how empathy is conceptualized and practiced across cultures. This study identifies three distinctive characteristics of empathy in Chinese culture. First, it is characterized by implicit experience and indirect expression. Unlike the Western emphasis on verbal articulation, Chinese empathy is often conveyed through nonverbal cues, contextual understanding, and holistic intuition, existing as an unspoken yet mutually understood background state. Second, it involves holistic and rationalized cognition. Influenced by dialectical and compromise-oriented thinking, Chinese individuals tend to interpret social conflicts and emotional experiences by reasoning and “appealing to principles”(ping-li), extending empathy beyond individual emotions to encompass relational harmony. Third, it is oriented toward problem-solving and action. Given the relatively blurred self-other boundaries in the differential mode of association, individuals assume greater responsibility for other’s situations, often manifesting in efforts to resolve problems or provide tangible support for those in distress. In conclusion, although the core mechanisms of empathy may be universal, its interpersonal expression is deeply shaped by cultural contexts. Empathy must be understood as a situated practice shaped by specific social relations and ethical orders. This calls for a more inclusive, culturally sensitive theoretical framework in empathy research. We advocate for further indigenous psychological studies to enrich the global understanding of empathy with perspectives grounded in Chinese culture.

Key words: empathy, Chinese culture, differential mode of association, intimacy-distance, hierarchy-status