Question

How would you describe disempowerment in community services work? choose two answers that best describe examples of disempowerment in practice.

a. deciding where a person will live and who they will live with

b. discussing the benefit and risks of activities

c. not allowing a person to make decisions about their care

d. discussing harms associated with problematic behaviours, for example a gambling problem for which the person has sought help

Answer 1

Disempowerment in community services work happens when individuals' choices are overridden, as in decisions about living arrangements without consent and not allowing individuals to make decisions about their care. Empowerment practices focus on participation and collective action, in stark contrast to disempowerment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Disempowerment in community services work refers to situations where individuals or groups are denied the ability to make their own choices, leading to a reduction in their autonomy and control over their lives. Drawing from the Empowerment Theory and its application in community psychology, disempowerment occurs when intentionality, ongoing processes, and mutual respect are absent in the relationship between service providers and recipients.

Examples of disempowerment in practice include:

• 
  
• Deciding where a person will live and who they will live with, without their input or consent, strips away their ability for self-determination and is a clear example of disempowerment.
• 
  
• Not allowing a person to make decisions about their care also represents disempowerment, as it omits the critical element of individual choice and agency in matters that directly affect their well-being.

Conversely, empowering practices involve critical reflection, skill development, and building relationships based on trust. These approaches emphasize the importance of citizen participation and community building, recognizing the value of each individual's input and the collective power of underrepresented communities when they are given the tools and respect to influence their own lives. Community psychologists aim to address social barriers and collaboratively work towards equitable solutions, exemplifying empowerment in action.

Answer 2

Disempowerment in community services work happens when individuals or communities have their power and agency taken away. Two primary examples are making life decisions for individuals about their living situations, or not allowing them to make decisions about their own care. Empowerment theory in community psychology, on the other hand, encourages intentionality, ongoing processes, and mutual respect to support self-efficacy and autonomy. Thus (option A &C) is right answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Disempowerment in community services work refers to actions or practices that take away or diminish the power and agency of individuals or communities. It is effectively the opposite of empowerment, which seeks to increase self-efficacy, autonomy, and participation in decision-making processes. Two examples that best describe disempowerment in practice are:

• Deciding where a person will live and who they will live with: This represents disempowerment as it removes an individual's control over personal life choices, leading to a lack of autonomy and potential loss of dignity and self-determination.
• Not allowing a person to make decisions about their care: When community service practitioners do not allow individuals to make their own decisions about their care, they are disempowering those individuals. This can undermine their sense of control, contributing to feelings of helplessness and dependency.

Empowerment Theory from a community psychology perspective emphasizes intentionality, ongoing process, and mutual respect. A practitioner would recognize the need for citizen participation and mobilizing community action towards common goals, as seen in cases like the Black Arts Movement and the Wrap Your beYOUty Movement. By involving individuals in the decision-making processes concerning their own lives, community services work towards empowerment and prevent disempowerment.