外文文献：一个概念框架，以指导能力的研究A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE RESEARCH ON EMPOWERMENT.pdfVIP

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE RESEARCH ON EMPOWERMENT By Prof. Samuel Stephen Mushi 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to formulate a conceptual framework to guide research on empowerment. In section 2 we shall review the literature on empowerment for the purpose of identifying the critical variables discussed by different scholars. In section 3 we shall construct a working definition for the concept of empowerment. In section 4 we shall attempt to formulate a conceptual framework for studying empowerment based on holistic and capability approaches. We shall also give an elaboration of the empowerment capabilities and enabling factors. Appendix 1 gives a list of chapters and their writers. Appendix 2 gives a general questionnaire. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Apart from the scholars who have written specifically on the concept of empowerment (e.g. Bookman et al, 1984: Kreisberg, 1992; Rapport, 1984; Lukes, 1994, World Bank 2002), many other scholars writing on such topics as democracy, governance, decentralisation, development, civil society, etc. have also touched on some aspects of empowerment. The purpose of this review is to give a summary of the major conclusions reached by the various strands of the literature. We shall look at six composite strands. (i) There is a growing literature on local governance and grassroots politics (e.g. Mushi, 2001; Abrahams, 1985; Mukandala and Gasarasi, 2000; Gibbon, 1994). These studies focus on the struggles of civic groups in the localities to influence policies, plans and programmes of local government authorities. They assess