Toward a Critical Social Theory of Youth Empowerment

Bibliographic Data

ID6076972
AuthorsLouise B Jennings (University of South Carolina), Deborah Parra-Medina (0000-0002-5505-524X, Cancer Research And Biostatistics), Deborah M Parra-Medina, Deanne K Hilfinger-Messias (University of South Carolina), Kerry Mcloughlin (Family Health International 360)
Year2006
Volume14
Issue1-2
Pages31-55
Publication date2006-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Community Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1070-5422 • E-ISSN: 1543-3706
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j125v14n01_03
OpenAlexW2006561997
LanguageEN
Citations received134
References cited25

This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing between youth and adults, (4) engagement in critical reflection on interpersonal and sociopolitical processes, (5) participation in sociopolitical processes to affect change, and (6) integrated individual- and community-level empowerment. It concludes with discussion of the measurement of outcomes, and the challenges and opportunities for empowerment in youth organization

Citizen journalism · Empowerment · Interpersonal communication · Participatory action research · Political science · Power (physics · Public relations · Social science · Sociology · Community Health and Development · Psychology · Service-Learning and Community Engagement · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support