7 qualities of people who are considered to be “woke,” according to a psychologist

If you’ve ever heard the term “woke” being thrown around, you may have wondered what it really means.

Basically, to be “woke” is to be aware, particularly about social and political injustices.

But what does it mean to truly embody this consciousness?

As a psychologist, I’ve noticed that “woke” individuals often share common traits that set them apart. They seem to approach life with a unique perspective and heightened awareness that goes beyond surface-level understanding.

Now, being “woke” isn’t a formal psychological term, nor is it something you can choose to be overnight. But there are certain qualities that tend to shine in those who are considered as such.

In this article, we’re going to break down these 7 qualities of people who are often labeled as “woke”. Hopefully, this will give you a clearer picture of what it means to be socially and politically conscious in today’s world.

1) High level of empathy

First up, “woke” individuals often display an exceptional level of empathy. They don’t just sympathize with the struggles and injustices faced by others, they deeply empathize with them.

This empathic understanding extends beyond their own personal experiences and into the lives of those who may be different from them in various ways.

Being “woke” essentially means being aware, and part of this awareness is recognizing the interconnectedness of all people.

They understand that societal issues impact everyone, albeit in different ways, and this fuels their drive to advocate for justice and equality.

They don’t use their empathy to gain social points or to seem more enlightened than others. Instead, it’s a genuine part of who they are, shaping their views, actions, and interactions with the world around them.

By doing so, they not only promote understanding and compassion but also challenge others to do the same.

2) Comfortable with discomfort

One of the most defining qualities of “woke” individuals is their ability to sit with discomfort. They understand that growth—whether personal, social, or emotional—often comes from facing hard truths and asking tough questions.

Instead of avoiding challenging conversations or differing perspectives, they choose to lean in. They don’t shy away from topics that induce unease, such as:

• Racial inequality
• Gender disparity
• Economic justice
• Cultural appreciation
• Environmental issues

It’s not always easy, but they recognize that discomfort is a sign of learning and unlearning, a necessary part of moving forward.

This brings me to the next point…

3) Open-mindedness

Being “woke” requires a high degree of open-mindedness. They are open to new ideas, different perspectives, and are willing to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions.

They understand that their personal experiences and viewpoints do not encompass the entirety of human experience.

Research has shown that open-minded individuals are better able to predict how others will behave and are more accepting of differences.

This cognitive flexibility is not just about being open to new ideas, but also about being able to change one’s mind when presented with new information.

Those who are “woke” exemplify this trait. They’re not rigid in their thinking, but rather adapt and evolve as they gain more knowledge and perspective.

4) Critical thinkers

Since they have cognitive flexibility, it’s no surprise that “woke” people are critical thinkers as well.

They don’t just take everything at face value or believe something because everyone else does.

Instead, they like to dig a little deeper—asking questions, checking where the information is coming from, and making sure it all adds up.

They’re the ones who’ll stop and say, “Wait, does that really make sense?” when everyone else is nodding along.

It’s not about being a contrarian or overthinking; it’s about making sure they’re seeing the whole picture before jumping to conclusions.

This habit of questioning things helps them stay grounded and avoid getting swept up in half-baked ideas.

5) Emotional intelligence

Let’s face it—you can’t reach that elevated level of awareness without having emotional intelligence.

Woke individuals aren’t just in touch with their own emotions; they use that understanding to connect with the bigger picture.

They’re able to put themselves in other people’s shoes, even when the situation doesn’t directly affect them.

This heightened empathy drives them to care deeply about issues like social justice, inequality, and human rights.

They don’t just stand up for causes that hit close to home—they advocate for anyone who’s marginalized or struggling.

It’s their ability to feel and understand the experiences of others that fuels their commitment to making the world a fairer, kinder place. Emotional intelligence doesn’t just make them compassionate—it makes them take action.

6) Persistent advocates

One of the hallmarks of being “woke” is the willingness to not just acknowledge injustices but to actively work towards rectifying them.

They are persistent advocates for social and political change, always ready to use their voice and actions to make a difference.

For example, there’s this friend of mine who, despite having a demanding job and a busy personal life, always finds time to advocate for causes she believes in.

She attends rallies, signs petitions, educates others about the issues she’s passionate about, and even volunteers at local community centers. She’s committed to making a difference, no matter how small or big her actions may seem.

This dedication to advocacy is typical of “woke” individuals. They’re not just bystanders but active participants in the fight for justice and equality. They’re willing to put in the time and effort because they understand that every action counts.

7) Self-awareness

Lastly, being “woke” isn’t just about understanding the world around you; it’s also about understanding yourself.

It’s about acknowledging your own biases, your own privileges, and the ways in which your actions can impact others.

Let’s be real, it’s easy to point fingers at societal issues and injustices while ignoring the ways we might be contributing to them.

But being “woke” means taking a hard look in the mirror, owning up to mistakes, and constantly working to do better.

After all, the whole idea of being “woke” is about enlightenment—and that starts with being honest with yourself.

Conclusion

Being “woke” isn’t about claiming a title or trying to fit into a certain mold—it’s about staying aware, empathetic, and open-minded in how you approach life and others.

The qualities we’ve explored reflect a mindset of growth, understanding, and connection. Whether you see these traits in yourself or aspire to develop them, the goal is the same: to create a more compassionate and inclusive world.

At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and the willingness to keep learning.