Vox populi: Roma perspectives on empowerment in social work practice

This study examined empowerment processes in social work with Roma communities. Empowerment is understood as a multi-level process through which individuals, families, and communities gain increased control over decisions affecting their lives. Focus groups were conducted with 17 members from segregated settlements in central Slovakia. The data were analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology to develop a paradigmatic model of the empowerment process. While Roma community members value empowerment principles, significant structural barriers impede implementation. Key obstacles include crisis-driven interventions that prioritize immediate needs over long-term empowerment goals, unstable project-based funding, spatial segregation effects, institutional stereotypes, and widespread anti -Roma discrimination. Community members develop adaptive strategies to navigate these constraints, but tension persists between crisis response requirements and empowerment objectives. Recommendations include creating stable funding mechanisms, addressing spatial segregation issues, and developing integrated service models. These models should enable progression from crisis stabilization to genuine empowerment-focused interventions across all practice levels. Subject classification codes include these here if the journal requires them.