Assessment 4- empowerment theories PDF

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Assessment 4 Lenses of Theory Analysis: Empowerment Theories Empowerment allows social workers to construct assistance and alliances that enable people to achieve life objectives, overcome barriers and to have accessibility to services (Payne 2014). It seeks to help people gain power over their decisions and actions by decreasing the effects of personal or social blocks (Payne 2014). Empowerment involves communities and individuals obtaining resources that will increase their political, social, economic or spiritual strength in order to gain greater control over their environment and move towards their communal or personal aspirations (Teater 2014). The empowerment approach is grounded in ecological perspective, which makes links between a person and their environment and highlights their interdependence of economic and social justice (Teater 2014). The empowerment theory holds belief that individuals who have control and power over their life’s, in the sense that they are able to access the essential resources to meet their rights and needs, are able to develop and thrive (Teater 2014). As a method, empowerment aims to challenge the systems that are preventing individuals from holding control and power over the aspects that are crucial to meeting their own rights and needs, and therefore, shifting this control and power to those who are oppressed or marginalized (Teater 2014). An empowerment-based approach should be implemented to those who express the characteristics of and who are being oppressed (Teater 2014). The aim of this approach is to increase the interpersonal, personal and political power of the individual in order for them to feel empowered instead of powerless and therefore take control over their circumstances and/or self (Teater 2014). The presents of empowerment in individuals can be seen by a high degree of self-esstem, selfdetermination, self-efficacy, competence in living and an internal rather than external locus of control (Teater 2014). Therefore, a lack of empowerment can be seen by learned helplessness, feelings of hopelessness, a low self-esteem and an external rather than internal locus of control (Teater 2014). For my assignment I have chosen to apply the empowerment approach to the case study, in particularly to Bob Cruize. This is because I feel that the oppression from lack of income has caused a lack of empowerment for Bob. When further assessment I can see that Bob has feelings of hopelessness, low self esstem, and learned helplessness which is evidence of lack of empowerment (Teater 2014). I chose the empowerment approach instead of any other approach because it is best suited to help Bob gain back power and control over his own life.

two key principles that will be applied to the case study include (Teater 2014); - Interventions that promote self-esteem and self-determination; the development of a more positive sense of self. - The client needs to seek to be empowered; must want and enable change to occur. During the assessment of Bob’s situation and his concerns I would examine his attitudes, beliefs and values about his self esteem and self efficacy. This would include how Bob views himself in relation to his family, work, the ability to form systems and networks of mutual aid, and the essential skills and knowledge he needs in order to participate and interact with others. By doing this I can assess power, strength and resources in relation to Bob’s life. I would do this by actively listening to Bob and letting him tell me his stories and opinions. After assessing Bob’s situation it can be seen that he feels oppressed due to his social status and his unemployment. He is concerned about his finances, however, feels that it is out of his control. Bob feels as though he has no option but to be unemployed as he has to support Jill. Bob does do some cash in hand jobs as a plumber and this shows me that he is willing to improve his situation and seek empowerment, however, does not know how to. Bob identifies this as a concern and therefore is more likely to activity engage in interventions and participates in joint decision making. Bob’s current lack of power is result a lot from his unemployment. As a social worker, my main aim would be to collaborate with Bob to assist him in gaining employment. I would do this by focusing on his strengths and resources in order to restore his self-efficacy and power. After Bob has identified and defined his problem with unemployment, we would work together to create solutions to combat the problem and identify skills that could be used to address future issues. Bob and I would discuss the possibility of part time employment options so it does not interfere with his carer’s pension or possible getting some carer assistance from the government to help Jill while Bob works. I would collaborate with Bob and never do anything that he is not happy with. How long this intervention takes and the types of intervention we use depend on our collaboration and agreement. Any negative thoughts and feelings Bob has will be explored and evaluated with the social worker. This will help Bob reduce any feelings he might have of self blame and replace them with positive thoughts and feelings of his strengths and resources. Throughout the intervention I will encourage and support Bob and try to maintain his motivation. Once we do find Bob a job it would be easier for him to stay motivated as he has his income as an incentive.

When Bob has more control over his life, he will have established a sense of self direction and will respond better to events. He will be able to access resources important for his own development and growth and to meet his future goals.

Reference List Payne, M 2014, Modern Social Work Theory, 4th edn, Palgrave Macmillan, UK. Teater, B 2014, An Introduction to Applying Social Theories and Methods, 1 st edn, McGraw-Hill Education....