Empowerment Theory In Social Work

Social work theories and perspectives are at the core of every social workers practice framework. Theories drive the worker to understand the best way to work alongside clients. The following essay discusses, analyses and critiques a specific practice theory. The theory that was chosen is empowerment theory. The key factors, political and historical aspects will also be shown throughout and the theory will be assessed for its effectiveness in regards to a specific case study.

Empowerment theory can be used effectively with a wide range of clients. It was initially developed to employ a sense of power to oppressed groups such as women, people of colour/culturally-oppressed groups, sufferers of domestic violence, the disabled etc. (Gutiérrez, GlenMaye, & DeLois, 1995). Empowerment
It can be used whilst working in a vast number of settings including, individually, within groups, and communities and provides strengths that some other theories are lacking (Turner, 2011). This theory is has been described as ‘practical, culturally compatible, and economically realistic for women and other marginalized groups’ (Prigoff, 1992, p. 63). It caters for differences between culture, ethnicities and backgrounds. It aims to work most effectively with oppressed people such as, the disabled, domestic violence survivors, people of colour, as well as any other oppressed group or individual. It is a collaborative theory, which aims to heighten the clients’ sense of power within their own lives. This is achieved by coming together to work against oppression and aims to strengthen the capabilities of client. When used effectively this theory builds strengths, problem-solving skills and helps create strategies for change and eventually the client becomes a positive role model within their own lives (Lee, 2001). Majority of these strengths prevail over a great number of other practice