Taking aim on empowerment research: On the distinction between individual and psychological conceptions

TLDR

Empowerment theory should not remain a mystery, and rigorous research is needed to advance the concept. This special section aims to clarify empowerment’s nomological network across multiple levels, shift focus toward bridging levels of analysis, integrate interdisciplinary theories and qualitative methods, and add to our understanding of empowerment. The authors propose integrating theories and methods from other disciplines and developing research strategies that incorporate qualitative procedures and participant voices. The papers in this special section add to our understanding of empowerment.

Abstract

Summary Empowerment theory need not remain a mystery. Efforts, such as those described in this special section, to outline more clearly the nomological network of empowerment at multiple levels of analysis will advance empowerment theory. Tough‐minded rigorous research is needed to advance the concept of empowerment. Empowerment research requires us to shift our attention from a debate between the merits of research at one level of analysis versus another to building bridges between levels of analysis. We must integrate theories and methods from other disciplines and develop research strategies that incorporate qualitative procedures and the voices of the research participants. The papers in this special section take aim on these tasks and add to our understanding of empowerment.