Promoting Aboriginal health: The family wellbeing empowerment approach

The concept of empowerment is highly relevant for promoting the health of Aboriginal Australians, yet there is little research evidence on what the term actually means or involves. This book presents a study of empowerment through a qualitative grounded theory analysis of the stories of people who participated in Family Wellbeing, an empowerment programme developed by Aboriginal Australians. It represents one of the few attempts to systematically understand the nature and benefits of empowerment from the point of view of a particular group. The findings take the form of a theoretical model that incorporates key, closely interconnected elements of empowerment: beliefs and attitudes, skills and knowledge, agency, and outcomes and their interaction with the broader social environment. This model resonates strongly with Aboriginal understandings of social and emotional well-being and provides a practical framework for action. The implications of the findings for the broader international sustainability agenda are highlighted. A central message of this book is that empowerment starts with the efforts made by individuals, families, organisations and communities to improve their condition. It is critical that we find opportunities to engage with these strengths and mobilise public policy in support. Family Wellbeing provides one such way.