Feminist and Empowerment Theory

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Feminist Theory and Empowerment Theory In the feminist theory, the strand of relational-cultural theory likens to the empowerment theory because the core tenet of relational-cultural theory focuses on the growth of people through the connections, the desire for connections with others, and the relationships that foster growth also enable mutual empowerment on both sides (Jordan and Hartling, 2002). The relational-cultural theory’s was originally created to understand and explore the complex psychological development of women, but in the process of understanding the development and growth of women, the relational-cultural theory also found a better understanding of male development and growth. Thus, while the relational-cultural theory is a strand of feminist theory, it can apply to men as well. The importance of relationships with others assists individuals in fostering growth not just in the individual, but also within the individual they are fostering a relationship with. This core tenet not only fosters growth, empathy and connection, but it also empowers both sides of the relationship. Empathy is said to be the ability to experience how others think and feel while also being able to understand their own thoughts and feelings, and this allows individuals within the growth-fostering relationship to feel more connected, energized, have greater self-worth and ultimately, empowered (Robbins, Chatterjee and Canda, 2011). Miller (1986) notes that, when a relationship has a power struggle or unequal power, then growth is hindered in the relationship and both individuals become disconnected and disempowered. Like the empowerment theory, the relationships in regards to cultural contexts of relational-cultural theory also affect... ... middle of paper ... ... intellectual capabilities, she states that regardless of the capacity, people should still be afforded the opportunity to be able to have as much intellect as they can hold in their minds (Truth, 1851). Sojourner Truth suffered oppression from multiple areas and was the perfect candidate to advocate for the rights of slaves and women, for her resilience, dignity and humanity. In order to truly understand Sojourner Truth, one would need to understand her multiple levels of oppression to truly gauge the oppression she faced. Not only was she a woman that stood for women’s rights she also advocated for the abolishment of slavery, she lived the life of slavery and truly understood what many slaves felt (McCook, 2011). As an advocate for women’s rights and the abolishment of slavery, Sojourner Truth epitomized strength, resilience, intellect, humanity and dignity.

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