Power relations in empowerment contexts

An important factor to be considered, as a pre-requisite of any empowerment process (related or non related to risk/disaster management) is to be in a situation of a potential change in power relations, remembering that the essence of the concept of empowerment is the idea of power. We have to remember that power can be also expanded (Czuba, C. E. 1999, for literature source see original document); i.e., under certain circumstances, gaining power strengthens the power of others rather than diminishes it (Kreisberg, S. 1992, for literature source see original document). Such a situation characterizes all the community empowerment practices considered, which always involve an increase of empowerment of people at least related to their capacity to understand their own environment and often (9 out of 25 cases) through their (increased) involvement in decision-making and more rarely (3 out of 25 cases) in the use of resources in relation to hazards management/preparedness.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Power relations

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: All disaster phases, Preparedness, Prevention, Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: All types of actors, Local authorities, Active citizens, Entrepreneurs, Media, Government, National research bodies, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services, European Civil Protection Mechanism, UN and other international organisations, National civil protection body, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Use new technologies, such as crowdsourcing to collect information from citizens, as a means to foster community engagement