Empowerment theory can be used effectively with a wide range of clients. It was initially developed to employ a sense of power to oppressed groups such as women, people of colour/culturally-oppressed groups, sufferers of domestic violence, the disabled etc. (Gutiérrez, GlenMaye, & DeLois, 1995). Empowerment …show more content…
It can be used whilst working in a vast number of settings including, individually, within groups, and communities and provides strengths that some other theories are lacking (Turner, 2011). This theory is has been described as ‘practical, culturally compatible, and economically realistic for women and other marginalized groups’ (Prigoff, 1992, p. 63). It caters for differences between culture, ethnicities and backgrounds. It aims to work most effectively with oppressed people such as, the disabled, domestic violence survivors, people of colour, as well as any other oppressed group or individual. It is a collaborative theory, which aims to heighten the clients’ sense of power within their own lives. This is achieved by coming together to work against oppression and aims to strengthen the capabilities of client. When used effectively this theory builds strengths, problem-solving skills and helps create strategies for change and eventually the client becomes a positive role model within their own lives (Lee, 2001). Majority of these strengths prevail over a great number of other practice