Ruth J. Parsons

Specific Practice Strategies for Empowerment-Based Practice With Women: A Study of Two Groups

Although it is commonly agreed in the social work literature that empowerment principles are appropriate and helpful in work with women, it is not always clear how to implement these principles. This article presents the qualitative study of two groups—a political advocacy group and a group for survivors of domestic violence—that identified specific behaviors of social workers and experiences of clients that facilitate the empowerment of women.

Integrated Practice: An Advanced Generalist Curriculum to Prepare Social Problem Specialists

Abstract While social work historically concerned itself with social problems, assisting victims of these problems may receive greater attention than viewing the problems themselves as appropriate targets for change efforts. Social work education has reflected this emphasis and traditionally focused more on practice methods than on solving social problems. The authors contend that there is a need for an “integrated practitioner” who is, by design, prepared as a social problem specialist. This paper examines central issues in developing a curriculum geared expressly to preparing such practitioners.

Patterns of Encounter and Integration: Navigating Culture in Conflict Resolution Capacity-Building

This chapter summarizes the cultural contexts encountered in these mediation innovation projects such as societal transitions and reforms, cultural shifts, and norm diffusion, as well as specific approaches used in training and collaboration. The authors also identify common emergent cultural themes, hybrid practices, and aspirational models of mediation developing in each context. The chapter concludes with challenges, values and ethics, and critical lessons in localization and the promotion of increased learning and empowerment.

The State of the Art and the Need for Context-Grounded Practice in Conflict Resolution

This chapter reviews recent decades of theory, research, and practice on culture and conflict resolution, and frames these in the context of three waves: spreading Western innovations as universally applicable, recognizing cultural lenses and variations, and documenting specific conflict resolution cultures. It also makes the case for the need to explore how cultures interact and evolve, resulting in new conflict resolution models and new best practices. Last, it reviews the questions and analytical framework given to chapter authors, and introduces their cases.

Fundación Propaz : The Evolution of a Mediation and Peacebuilding Strategy in Guatemala

This chapter documents the development, practices, and processes of Fundacion Propaz, a nonprofit organization, founded in 2003 in Guatemala, to promote consolidation of peace, democracy, good governance, and the prevention and settlement of conflicts at the end of Guatemala’s 36-year Civil War. Originating from the Organization of American States, during the Peace Accords of 1998, Fundacion Propaz was aided in its early development by expertise offered through conflict resolution trainers from US scholars, and has evolved into a uniquely hybrid model of intervention consisting of basic tenets of Western institutional models and traditional indigenous practices.

Trinidad and Tobago: A Study in Cultural Paradox

This chapter describes a mediation training partnership between the University of Denver’s Conflict Resolution Institute and the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and draws on the authors’ research studies regarding perceptions, preferences, and practices in negotiation, mediation, and restorative justice in the rapidly modernizing Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Increased gang-related violence and murder rates, hypermasculine gender identities, hierarchical structures, and notorious corruption have resulted in societal trauma, grief, fear, and loss of freedom. Significant power differences necessitate empowerment-based mediation strategies which include a third party known to all disputants who would take an active educational and advocacy role, and the use of religious principles for guidance and relationship repair. Proposed is a mediation practice framework which can mitigate gender and other power discrepancies, educate, and promote healing.