Disempowerment versus empowerment: Analyzing power dynamics in professional community development

ABSTRACT

Using a dimensions of power framework that integrates the theoretical work of Gaventa, Giddens, and Young, this paper unpacks the meanings of self-efficacy, solidarity, and agency in relation to different forms of power. These definitions: (1) reaffirm radical understandings of empowerment as an internal process for both individuals and groups, as well as a function of enabling institutional and societal structures, and (2) enable critical examination of the role of community development professionals in the pursuit of empowerment at these various levels of analysis. We begin with a critique of imposed, deficit-oriented approaches to community development and examine how mainstream practices have shifted intentions toward asset-oriented, participatory work within communities served, but even in the best circumstances fail to address underlying systemic barriers to empowerment and community well-being. Based on this analysis, we consider how these findings call for transformation of the role of professional community developers.

KEYWORDS:

• Disempowerment
• empowerment
• oppression
• radical community development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.