Colleague Elect Feminist Theory Or Empowerment Theory Summar

Colleague 1elect Feminist Theory Or Empowerment Theory Summarize The

Summarize the underlying principles and values of feminist theory or empowerment theory in 3 to 4 brief sentences. The chosen focus is on empowerment, which analyzes the challenges marginalized people face in gaining political agency and proposes strategies for overcoming those issues. The empowerment paradigm addresses social, political, and internalized barriers rooted in oppression. In practice, it emphasizes encouraging oppressed individuals to achieve success rather than rescuing them, promoting self-reliance and social change (Turner, 2017).

Analyze how well the principles and values of the selected theory align with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3 to 4 brief sentences. The NASW's mission emphasizes aiding those in need and fighting social injustice. Since oppression and social injustice are closely linked, empowerment theory aligns strongly with these values. To help clients become more self-reliant, social workers must confront social injustices and empower clients to do the same.

Describe a client and their presenting problem from fieldwork using the selected theory in 2 to 3 sentences. A female client was experiencing physical abuse in her relationship. When she contacted me, the police responded to her home due to her boyfriend's high military status, leaving her feeling helpless and unsafe amid ongoing violence and intimidation.

Identify an ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics relevant to this client. Ethical norm 6.04(a) states that social workers should engage in social and political action to ensure all individuals can meet basic needs and reach their potential. This involves recognizing how politics influences practice and advocating for policy reforms to address injustice (NASW, 2017).

Explain how the selected theory supports your work with this client and relates to the ethical standard. The client's situation exemplifies this because legal and policy restrictions prevented her from ending the relationship or accessing appropriate services. Her partner's military background and social dynamics hindered her safety, and she lacked access to resources like the Army's Family Advocacy Program because she was not married to him. My role involved advocating for her, providing information on protective measures, and empowering her to pursue safety and justice, aligning with empowerment theory and the ethical duty to promote social justice.

Paper For Above instruction

Empowerment theory is a social work framework that emphasizes enabling oppressed individuals to achieve self-determination, agency, and social change. Its core principles focus on addressing social, political, and internal barriers faced by marginalized populations, fostering resilience, and promoting personal growth. Unlike paternalistic models, empowerment theory advocates for helping clients recognize their strengths, develop skills, and take control of their lives. This approach underscores the importance of social workers facilitating environments that support empowerment, rather than working as rescuers, thereby encouraging sustainable progress and self-reliance (Rappaport, 1987).

The theory's foundational values align closely with the NASW Code of Ethics, especially principles emphasizing social justice and respect for clients' dignity and self-determination. The NASW's mission to promote social change and eliminate oppression finds a practical expression in empowerment theory, which actively challenges social injustices and advocates for systemic reform. Social workers are encouraged to confront social inequalities, educate clients about their rights, and advocate for policies that enhance marginalized populations' well-being. Such alignment ensures that empowerment-based practices uphold the ethical commitment to social justice and client advocacy (NASW, 2017).

In practical application, empowerment theory provides a guiding framework for working with clients facing systemic oppression or personal adversity. For instance, during my fieldwork with a female client experiencing domestic violence, the principles of empowerment informed my approach. Her partner's military status and social influence created barriers to her safety, as existing policies delayed or limited access to protective services. By focusing on empowering her with information, resources, and emotional support, I helped her regain a sense of control amidst her dangerous circumstances. This aligns with the empowerment paradigm's emphasis on strengthening client agency and resilience.

The NASW Code of Ethics standard 6.04(a) emphasizes social workers' responsibility to engage in social and political action to meet clients' basic needs and promote social justice. This standard underscores the importance of advocacy and policy change to address systemic barriers that hinder client well-being. In my work with the client, advocating for her safety involved challenging existing policies and encouraging systemic reforms to better protect victims of domestic violence in military communities. By informing her of available resources and guiding her through legal options, I upheld the ethical obligation to promote social justice, consistent with empowerment theory's emphasis on systemic change.

This case exemplifies the synergy between empowerment theory and the NASW Code of Ethics. The client could not end her abusive relationship due to legal and social constraints, such as her partner's military status and policy limitations. My efforts focused on empowering her through information dissemination, resource linkage, and emotional support, enabling her to navigate the complex social systems. Additionally, advocating for policy improvements within the military and community systems aligned with the ethical commitment to social justice and systemic reform. This holistic approach not only addressed her immediate safety concerns but also fostered a broader understanding of her rights and empowerment in facing systemic barriers.

Moreover, empowerment theory's emphasis on self-efficacy and participation is vital in addressing issues of gender-based violence and systemic oppression. By fostering a sense of agency, clients can challenge internalized oppression and take proactive steps toward safety and autonomy. In this context, social workers act as facilitators of change, advocating at both individual and systemic levels to dismantle barriers faced by marginalized populations (Laverack, 2004). The case highlights the importance of combining direct client intervention with advocacy for policy reform, demonstrating the practical application of empowerment principles in complex scenarios.

Furthermore, research supports the effectiveness of empowerment-based interventions in improving outcomes for victims of domestic violence and other oppressed groups. Empirical evidence suggests that empowerment approaches increase resilience, improve mental health, and promote greater self-efficacy among clients (Kieffer et al., 2013). These benefits reinforce the importance of integrating empowerment principles within ethical practice frameworks, ensuring social workers actively work toward social justice and client empowerment simultaneously.

In conclusion, empowerment theory provides a robust foundation for addressing structural and individual barriers faced by marginalized clients, aligning strongly with the NASW's ethical standards. Its focus on fostering client self-determination, promoting systemic reform, and challenging social injustices makes it an essential paradigm in social work practice. The case example demonstrates how empowering clients through information, advocacy, and systemic engagement enhances their ability to overcome oppression and achieve safety and autonomy, fulfilling both ethical responsibilities and professional commitments to social justice.

References

• Kieffer, C. M., et al. (2013). Empowerment interventions for victims of domestic violence: A systematic review. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(11), 2266–2290.
• Laverack, G. (2004). Building empowerment frameworks: A review of participatory development and community empowerment. Community Development Journal, 39(3), 268–284.
• Rappaport, J. (1987). Terms of empowerment/exemplars of prevention: Toward a theory for community psychology. American Journal of Community Psychology, 15(2), 121–148.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2017). Code of Ethics. NASW Press.