Personal reflection on empowerment and world-system theories at Brightwood Community Center

Structured Critical Reflection Human Behavior & Social Environment Theories

In preparation for this reflection, I plan to describe and show how some of my experiences have affected me and taught me more about the nature of society and goodwill. Reflections are an important part of academics and virtually any aspect of life. It enables introspection, self-evaluation, and ways to see things from a different perspective, a different angle. The experiences that transpired over the time of taking this course taught valuable lessons and imparted important principles. One such experience was the Brightwood Community Center. It is a faith-based non-for-profit organization that taught about caring for others and reconciliation.

It was during the experience there, I saw some of the most touching and impactful moments that warrant a deeper reflection. Some of the services offered at this organization, like SPARK and Survival Skills for Women help empower people and children to learn new skills. They also offer clothing and food services promoting sharing and a sense of community. Some of the themes reflection from this experience, like community, compassion, and connection will be discussed through the rest of this assignment.

Some theories useful for reflection of this experience like empowerment theory and world system theory show how the community can empower others to become independent, especially children. The organization teaches children how to read and learn. The world systems theory helps people understand what causes some of the social problems that result in organizations such as these, which try to help. Children for instance, in low-income families, have a harder time learning. This could be due to poor living conditions, lack of family involvement or a host of things that come from external influences.

II. Reflection and Examination

When witnessing the efforts by the organization, I saw the world-system theory at play. "World-system theory is a highly political approach to the problem of economic development in the Third World. It was created by policy-oriented intellectuals in countries at a medium level of development to account for their societies' demonstrable inability to catch up" (Chirot & Hall, 1982, p. 81). Although world-system theory discusses underdeveloped countries, in a way, the people the organization helps is an underdeveloped nation. Many of them lack the skills and motivation to be more and catch up to the independent and successful people they witness in society. The organization helps to even the playing field by providing services and helping them develop skill sets to grow as indivduals.

Much like these skill sets help people who are helped by the organization, they also enable a sense of empowerment. "Empowerment theory has focused on defining the construct at different levels of analysis, presenting new frameworks or dimensions, and explaining relationships between empowerment-related processes and outcomes" (Peterson, 2014, p. 96). Although empowerment theory has various levels of understanding and focus, the outcomes presented by some of the people assisted by the organization show improvement in self-esteem and potentially better job outlooks. These people learn and grow and are able to take their skills into the workplace, into the community.

III. Conclusion

In conclusion, my experiences have helped me grow as a social worker. It taught me that hardship and experiences cement my understanding of theory. It is better to see the world as it is happening vs. read about it. Without my hands on experience, I would not have the ability to grasp fully what it is I desire in life and what I plan to do and be.