Abstract
In this paper, we make the case that “empowerment” is still a concept which requires closer scrutiny, for both practical and theoretical reasons. Building on critiques of empowerment and on calls to more consciously address the power relations inherent in adult education, we lay the groundwork for a practical theory of action whereby education practitioners and researchers can work towards salvaging empowerment’s emancipatory potential.
Keywords
Empowerment, Power, Theory, Emancipatory education
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Archibald, T.,
&
Wilson, A. L.
(2011).
Rethinking Empowerment: Theories of Power and the Potential for Emancipatory Praxis.
Adult Education Research Conference.
https://newprairiepress.org/aerc/2011/papers/3
Rethinking Empowerment: Theories of Power and the Potential for Emancipatory Praxis
In this paper, we make the case that “empowerment” is still a concept which requires closer scrutiny, for both practical and theoretical reasons. Building on critiques of empowerment and on calls to more consciously address the power relations inherent in adult education, we lay the groundwork for a practical theory of action whereby education practitioners and researchers can work towards salvaging empowerment’s emancipatory potential.
