The Process of Empowerment: Implications for Theory and Practice

Abstract

This article describes a research study completed on the process of empowerment. Conducted with 55 men and women who had experienced extensive powerlessness in their lives, qualitative interviews and focus groups were designed to understand participants' lived experiences as they struggled toward increased control in their lives. Several themes were identified, including elements which provided an impetus for empowerment and the importance of support from people. As the empowerment process unfolded, access to valued resources and participation in community life reduced isolation and contributed to the competence and confidence of participants. Several implications for the concept of empowerment are identified such as self-efficacy and personal control; and principles for community practice are outlined. This study confirms the importance of understanding empowerment from an ecological perspective.

rôle du soutien social dans la capacité d'autonomisation des femmes âgées de 55 ans et plus atteintes de multimorbidité /

“…Ce processus repose sur plusieurs éléments présents dans une communauté tels que la participation, les compétences, la communication et le capital communautaire (Ninacs, 2003 (Zimmerman, 1990), de prise de conscience (Kieffer, 1984) et de motivation à l'action sociale (Rappaport, 1987;Anderson, 1991) (Fahlbberg et al, 1991;Ninacs, 2003;Tones, 1996;Wallerstein & Bernstein, 1992). À ce sujet, Aujoulat (2007: 16) (Fawcett et al, 1995;Lord & Hutchison, 1993).…”

“…À l'inverse, les facteurs de risque sont ceux qui, selon Grizenko & Fisher (1992), augmentent la vulnérabilité de l'individu ou encore la probabilité qu'il présente des difficultés d'adaptation dans des situations de stress. Ainsi, le fait d'avoir accès à un environnement social ou un soutien social de mauvaise qualité peut inhiber le processus individuel d'autonomisation et maintenir la personne dans un état de besoin constant (Fawcett et al, 1995;Lord & Hutchison, 1993).…”

Farmers’ Household Empowerment in Entikong, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…Finally, it is called continuing the process of empowerment through self-sustainable improving capability to be able to adjust in dynamic changing circumstances (Sumodiningrat, 1999). Moreover, the study of Lord and Hutchison (1993) found that the interdependence relationship during empowerment process can be seen as an important part how the member of community relates each other. The result showed that the empowerment process much more powerful if there is mutual interaction of individuals within the community.…”

Participatory evaluation in a community organization: Fostering stakeholder empowerment and utilization

“…In their study of the empowerment process, Lord & Hutchison (1993) define one of its components, selfefficacy as: "People's evaluation of their capabilities to organize and carry out activities required to attain personal goals... In this sense, positive self-efficacy is seen as fostering confidence in ways that enhance participation and taking initiative" (p. 13).…”

“…An important dimension of an empowerment process is its culmination in action that benefits individuals, a group or the community (Lord & Hutchison, 1993;Zimmerman et al, 1992). Since PE is generally time consuming and work intensive, it would be disempowering for participants to contribute so many hours to a process that was not ultimately useful on an individual or organizational level.…”