Title: Empowerment Theory in Social Work | VCU Online
Headings: Empowerment Theory in Social Work
Empowerment Theory in Social Work
What Is Empowerment Theory?
Important Concepts
Direct Power Blocks
Indirect Power Blocks
Dimensions of Empowerment
Self-Efficacy
Critical Consciousness
Tool Development
Micro-level Tools
Macro-level Tools
Empowerment Theory Social Work in Action
How Can Social Workers Empower Groups and Communities?
Public Policy Reform and Empowerment
Empower Communities by Earning a Master of Social Work
Recommended Readings

Content: How do elements such as race, class, gender and sexual orientation complicate and change the impact of oppression on different members of the group? In what ways can these factors affect the way oppression plays out? Public Policy Reform and Empowerment
While developing autonomy and self-determination can play a crucial role in overcoming obstacles to one’s empowerment, this type of work alone cannot overcome widespread social injustice. People must take a critical look at the systems of oppression and find strategies that lead to change. Challenging societal norms allows individuals and communities to discuss the economic models and other structures in society that affect equity and then consider alternatives. Social workers can engage groups and communities in discussions about issues that affect them locally and globally and encourage them to take action. For example, to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on oppressed communities, social workers can establish programs that provide access to fresh and healthy food, or work with nonprofits that combat environmental hazards such as pollution. Public policy reform is often a necessary part of fixing systemic problems that keep people marginalized and perpetuate power imbalances. Making changes to laws, policies and systems may be the only way to reduce or eliminate some barriers to equality. Empowerment theory social work can create opportunities for advocacy that address social, economic and political inequalities.