UNDERSTANDING EMPOWERMENT THROUGH DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS AND RESEARCH EXAMPLES

Empowerment, both as a perspective and as an overarching objective, has by now become one of the most influential frameworks in the theory and practice of social work. It is also included in the international definition of social work. Numerous models of empowerment are linked to different levels of intervention; however, the work of several scholars integrates these levels, client groups, and theoretical foundations ranging from psychological approaches to sociologically grounded theories. The present study aims, following a brief overview of the professional-historical and conceptual background, to provide an insight into various empowerment research practices.