empowerment
im-POW-er-munt
/ɪmˈpaʊərmənt/
The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
In victimology, it refers to moving a victim from a state of helplessness to a state of agency and strength.
The story behind the word. The word 'power' comes from the Latin 'posse' (to be able). Empowerment is the act of 'putting ability into' someone who previously felt unable to act.
Word relationships
- enfranchisement: Enfranchisement specifically refers to giving someone the right to vote or legal rights.
- authorization: Authorization is the formal giving of permission; empowerment is the internal gaining of strength.
- disenfranchisement: The state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote.
- marginalization: Treatment of a person or group as insignificant or peripheral.
Commonly confused with
- power: Power is the ability to do something; empowerment is the process of gaining that ability.
Word family
- empower (verb): To give power or authority to.
Collocations
- female empowerment
- economic empowerment
- self-empowerment
Example sentences
- "The goal of the program is the economic empowerment of women in rural areas." Social Policy
- "Giving testimony in court can be a moment of profound empowerment for a survivor." Psychology
Memory hook
EM-POWER: Putting 'Power' into someone. Give them the lead.
When not to use
Sometimes criticized as a 'buzzword' in corporate settings; use 'delegation' or 'authority' if you mean giving someone a specific task.
Fun facts
- The term 'empowerment' gained massive popularity in the 1970s and 80s through civil rights and feminist movements.
Related words
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