The functions of the social worker in empowering: The voices of consumers and professionals

The term "empowerment" has been conceptualized extensively by theorists. Common literature, however, has largely ignored the consumer's and practitioner's point of view. This study examined how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. To this end, 20 focus groups, 12 of consumers (single parents, teenagers, elderly and activists) and eight of social workers serving each of the four categories of consumers were examined. The findings show that there are important differences in how these groups understand empowerment. Implications for the conceptualization of empowerment, as well as social work education and practice are discussed.