Example service user dissertation topic 2:

Learning to hold back: The practical application of empowerment in service users

Empowerment is a key component of modern social work practice as it helps service users to identify means of effecting change. However, the wish to assist service users can be so strong that social workers can risk diminishing empowering service users. This dissertation considers how such well-meaning disempowerment can occur, how often it occurs, and how social workers can avoid this phenomenon. In so doing, it explores the current literature on the topic as secondary research. The primary research options could include interviews with social workers, service users or a combination of the two. Ultimately, this dissertation hopes to offer advice on coping mechanisms for social work students.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Gutierrez, L.M., Parsons, R.J. and Cox, E.O. (eds) (1998) Empowerment in social work practice: A sourcebook. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole Publishing.
• Havig, K.K. (2011) Empowerment for social justice: A grounded theory study of social work field instruction strategies. PhD Thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia. Available at: http://gradworks.umi.com/34/88/3488609.html [accessed 26 May 2012].
• Parsons, R.J. (1991) ‘Empowerment: Purpose and practice principle in social work’, Journal of Community and Clinical Practice, Vol. 14(2), pp. 7-21.