EMPOWERMENT THEORIES

In my theory class we've discussed theories of empowerment. What is empowerment?

In my opinion, empowerment theories are kind of dry and maybe a little boring but they are helpful in understanding society as a whole. On a broader level, empowerment theories address dynamics of discrimination and oppression. Although there is no one definition of empowerment, our textbook defines empowerment as "the process by which individuals and groups gain power to access resources and to control the circumstances of their lives.” Empowerment theories focus on the structural barriers that prevent people from accessing necessary resources.

What are structural barriers? Structural barriers are obstacles that are out of your control.

Therefore, empowerment theories emphasize:

1) Power - the ability to access and control resources and people. 

2) Stratification - the hierarchal nature of society.

3) Powerlessness - the inability to manage emotions, skills, knowledge and/or material resources. 

Stratification occurs as a result of inequalities of wealth, power, access to resources, and life opportunities. It occurs as a result of differences in gender, age, race/ethnicity, religion, linguistic groups, sexual orientation, disability, and class.

Empowerment theories examine the circumstances that produce inequality and oppression. These theories are helpful in understanding the current situation in which marginalized groups find themselves, such as Indigenous communities. They help us to understand why things are the way they are and they help us to understand how people respond to oppression (such as through unhealthy behaviors, etc).

Within the context of decolonization, would our ultimate goal as colonized Indigenous peoples be empowerment? Others may have a different opinion but I would argue no, our ultimate is not to gain empowerment.

Empowerment seeks to create equal access to power; it seeks to end the differential power status between colonized peoples and the dominant society. Sounds fairly reasonable, right? However, when looking at power, we must ask ourselves, whose power are we seeking? What kind of power is it? If we are seeking to gain equal access power within our current society, the problem of the colonial structure remains.

The problem with the colonial structure is that it is primarily based on white, patriarchal power. So even if we were to gain access to resources, that patriarchal structure remains. That structure perpetuates oppression and colonization through its institutions – the government, educational systems, economic structure. In my opinion, the ultimate goal of decolonization is to overturn the colonial structure…and doesn’t this sound rather intimidating and almost impossible?!

On a more positive note, empowerment theories aim to effect change rather than "blaming the victim" for their experiences with discrimination and oppression. Additionally, these theories provide models for self-empowerment and liberation on a personal level. I think that this is especially where these theories are important because rather than victimizing the individual, they encourage self-empowerment. 

Empowerment theories may help individuals realize their strengths and desires to engage in actions that support their own well-being. One definition of "empowerment" is having control of your life or health, autonomy, ability, self-efficacy, self-esteem and freedom. That would include controlling your own health, increasing the ability to control your own life, and on a broader level, having the ability to effect change in the world.