The Functions of the Social Worker in Empowering: The Voices of Consumers and Professionals

TLDR

Empowerment has been extensively theorized, yet existing literature largely overlooks the perspectives of consumers and practitioners. This study investigates how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. Twenty focus groups were conducted, comprising 12 consumer groups (single parents, teenagers, elderly, activists) and eight social worker groups serving each consumer category. Results reveal significant differences in empowerment concepts between consumers and social workers, informing future social work education and practice.

Abstract

The term "empowerment" has been conceptualized extensively by theorists. Common literature, however, has largely ignored the consumer's and practitionerer's point of view. This study examined how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. To this end, 20 focus groups, 12 of consumers (single parents, teenagers, elderly and activists) and eight of social workers serving each of the four categories of consumers were examined. The findings show that there are important differences in how these groups understand empowerment. Implications for the conceptualization of empowerment, as well as social work education and practice are discussed.