A program started during a drought in Zimbabwe involved the cultivation of drought-resistant crops. The program made the women less dependent on their often-absent husbands and changed the relationship between men and women in the village. (JOW)

This paper explores direct and symbolic forms of survivors confronting their abusers via a review of the current literature and the self-report of 12 female survivors, post-therapy. Six of the survivors had chosen to directly confront their abusers and six had not. Their experiences and opinions are presented with a discussion of important issues…

Advocates applying communication theories and research to popular media artifacts to create the necessary and essential skills for media literacy. Suggests approaches that can be used in pursuit of this goal. Argues that it is the communication scholar's responsibility to empower students to critically evaluate mass mediated messages. (PA)

This case response centers on the client Sue, a professional mediator who seeks counseling to resolve a conflict with her employer (M. C. Rehfuss, 2003). The Selective Optimization with Compensation model of human development and Life-Span Theory of Control are used to frame Sue's career development and assist her in making the transition from…

Employee empowerment in the United Kingdom manufacturing industry (through total quality management, delayering, and business process reengineering) was examined in a survey of 103 companies. Success factors included a solid business rationale, organizational culture, and staff decision making power. Culture was also the most influential…

Examines current use of the term "empowerment," describing how some academics support efforts toward self-mastery and their role in fostering empowerment by converting ideas into detailed social policy. Discusses academic empowerment and its preconditions, noting the academy's post-1960s social engineering record. Concludes that academics are…

An approach to integrating casework and community development includes the practices of empowerment, community building, and social action. The aim is to give disadvantaged people more choice and control over their lives. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Examines the literacy myth: the belief that literacy can solve complex personal and social problems. Explores links between "literacy for life" and Dewey's concept of growth. Makes the case for a pragmatic middle ground between structural-functional and radical-transformative interpretations of adult literacy education. Presents a case…

This study examined how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. 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. (Contains 52 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Analysis of methods used by the right-wing environmental social movement to alter gains made by environmentalists finds that conservatives have both grassroots and elite sponsorship and the movement is an effective site of adult learning, resistance, and meaning making. (Contains 89 references.) (SK)

Desiring to communicate clearly, one principal found his writer's workshop a safe environment for clarifying his thoughts. Writing in reflection takes educators through professional dilemmas and helps them develop a position and a direction for their work with children. No other medium provides this growth and empowerment. (MLH)

Explores concept of empowerment-based social work practice and its application in public child welfare. Uses organizational theory to identify characteristics of child welfare agencies that impinge on empowerment-based practice and suggests strategies for staff to become more powerful in their dealings with the agency and community. (Author/ABL)

Modern medical practice tends to enable patients to evade responsibility for their own care, and the traditional model robs patients of control and self-esteem. Radical health care reform must include patient empowerment and education. (SK)

A survey of 710 participants in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program found that community education programs designed to use empowerment techniques are likely to be effective. Using information based on strong arguments and sound logic and empowering participants to use the information greatly enhances the probability that participants…

Distinguishes between the external oppression of American Indians by governmental practices and educational policies and the internalized oppression that alienates Indians from themselves and each other and leads to dysfunctional communities. Suggests that the first step in building healthy Indian communities involves quiet reflection, recognition…