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Handbook of Community Psychology pp 43–63Cite as

Empowerment Theory

Psychological, Organizational and Community Levels of Analysis

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Abstract

Empowerment is both a value orientation for working in the community and a theoretical model for understanding the process and consequences of efforts to exert control and influence over decisions that affect one’s life, organizational functioning, and the quality of community life (Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995; Rappaport, 1981; Zimmerman & Warschausky, 1998). A distinction between the values that underlie an empowerment approach to social change and empowerment theory is necessary. The value orientation of empowerment suggests goals, aims, and strategies for implementing change. Empowerment theory provides principles and a framework for organizing our knowledge. The development of empowerment theory also helps advance the construct beyond a passing fad and political manipulation

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA

    Marc A. Zimmerman

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  1. Marc A. Zimmerman
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA

    Julian Rappaport

  2. New York University, New York, New York, USA

    Edward Seidman

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Zimmerman, M.A. (2000). Empowerment Theory. In: Rappaport, J., Seidman, E. (eds) Handbook of Community Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4193-6_2

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